OPCAT seminar for representatives of the Ministry of Defense

On January 23, 2007 was held a seminar “Perspectives of the OPCAT implementation in Armenia”, for the representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. High level representatives from closed institutions under the Ministry of Defense, such as institutions under the jurisdiction of the Military Police, OSCE and OSI, relevant NGO representatives participated in the seminar. 

The event was organized by Civil Society Institute NGO with the financial support from Penal Reform International.

Representatives of the Ministry of Defense expressed their willingness to cooperate with the civil society and all interested parties on the way of establishment of the public control over the closed institution under the Ministry.

The event was remarkable as it was the first dialogue between civil society participants and officials from the Ministry of Defense. One and very important outcome was that parties agreed to continue this dialogue and discuss possible preventive mechanisms, legislative amendments and changes and possibilities to cooperate in future.