On November 5, 2026, the Public Monitoring Group of Penitentiary Institutions and Bodies under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia held a meeting with an international delegation from the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), which also included experts from the United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The mission aimed to assess the current situation regarding the prevention of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in Armenia, examine existing human rights protection mechanisms, identify systemic challenges, and engage with national institutions and civil society representatives to explore opportunities for strengthening accountability, independent oversight, and compliance with international human rights standards.
During the meeting, participants discussed issues related to the protection of human rights in Armenia’s penitentiary institutions, existing challenges in safeguarding the rights of persons deprived of their liberty, and the importance of public oversight and independent monitoring in preventing torture and ill-treatment.
The Monitoring Group presented its main areas of activity, the specific aspects of its monitoring work in penitentiary institutions, and the systemic challenges and concerns identified through its monitoring activities. Particular attention was given to the role of independent civil society monitoring in identifying human rights violations, promoting institutional transparency, and ensuring that the rights and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty are respected.
The meeting contributed to several important outcomes, including a shared understanding of the challenges facing Armenia’s penitentiary system, an exchange of national and international expertise on torture prevention, and the identification of areas where monitoring practices and human rights protection mechanisms could be further strengthened.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued engagement between international human rights mechanisms and national civil society organizations, particularly in translating monitoring findings into practical recommendations and institutional improvements.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and exploring opportunities for future cooperation aimed at strengthening torture prevention, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights in Armenia.
