During the regular lecture of the Anti-Corruption School for Young Leaders, the participants discussed, the participants discussed international anti-corruption mechanisms, including the functions of international organizations, their recommendations to Armenia and their implementation process.

The UN Convention against Corruption groundbreaking document in the fight against corruption. The preamble to the Convention states: “Concerned about the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption to the stability and security of societies, undermining the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice and jeopardizing sustainable development and the rule of law; and Concerned also about the links between corruption and other forms of crime, in particular organized crime and economic crime, including money laundering… Have agreed as follows…”

Ms Syuzanna Soghomonyan, Advocate, Anti-Corruption Expert at the Armenian Lawyers’ Association presented the role of each of the major organizations in the fight against corruption and their recommendations for Armenia.

One of the world’s leading anti-corruption organizations is the Office for Combating Crimes (UNODC), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), The Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (GRECO) and others.

The students were divided into 2 groups and performed practical work.

Each group had to answer the question why the recommendations of international organizations are important for Armenia. Each answer should become a question and the last, fifth answer should be the answer to the first question.

Syuzanna Soghomonyan mentioned that all of this was important, but one should not forget about the important Armenia’s sovereignty.

“Taking into account the best practice is of course important, as well as close cooperation with international organizations, but we should not forget about the sovereignty and public interest. Armenia can and should have its best practice,” the expert said.

“The Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO is organizing the Anti-Corruption School for Young Leaders in cooperation with the Armenian CSO Anti-Corruption Coalition.

Iravaban.net independent information website is the information partner of the Anti-Corruption School for Young Leaders.