Armenian Human Rights Defender staff hold meeting with penitentiary service on detainee rights

On July 31, representatives of the Armenian Human Rights Defender (MIP) staff participated in a working discussion at the Penitentiary Service. The meeting was organized by the Human Rights Defender to examine problems identified through continuous monitoring in the Abovyan and Artic penitentiary institutions and to consider proposed solutions.

Attendees included Lauara Gasparyan, head of the national prevention mechanism; TsoVinar Tadevossian, head of the Penitentiary Service; deputy Vahé Nanushyan; Heghine Martirosyan, head of the Abovyan institution; Karo Manukyan, acting head of the Artic institution; as well as MIP staff and central authority representatives. The discussion addressed issues such as ensuring detainees’ external communication, reintegration processes, and specific concerns for women detainees, children up to three years old, and minors, including medical care and special protective measures. Existing initiatives were presented, further solutions were explored, and participants confirmed their willingness to continue such meetings, emphasizing their effectiveness in rapidly responding to identified problems and finding joint solutions. The Human Rights Defender reiterated that the state bears responsibility for safeguarding the rights of persons deprived of liberty.