The Group of Public Observers, which conducts public oversight within the penitentiary institutions and bodies of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, was established by Order No. KH-66-N of the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, dated November 18, 2005.

 The objectives of the Group’s activities are:

 - To exercise public oversight regarding the protection of the rights of detained persons and convicts; to identify violations of these rights; to bring the issues identified to the attention of the public and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia; and to support the operations of the Penitentiary Service. 

- To submit recommendations aimed at identifying and preventing human rights violations within penitentiary institutions. 

- To present analyses of the situation within penitentiary institutions, as well as conclusions and recommendations, to the Ministry and the public. - studying penitentiary legislation and, where necessary, submitting proposals for making amendments and additions to relevant legal acts, as well as for drafting new legal acts.