On 16 March, the Human Rights Defender together with the representatives of the Defender’s Office, including the subdivision of the National Preventive Mechanism, visited the Abovyan Penitentiary Institution of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia.

The Human Rights Defender’s Office informed.

During the visit, the conditions of detention of women and juveniles detained in the penitentiary institution, the state of their health care, education, connection with the outside world, issues related to re-socialization, etc. were studied. The Ombudsman had private conversations with juvenile detainees.

It should be noted that as a result of the visit, positive changes were registered; in particular, the general education programs for persons deprived of their liberty and their involvement in them are welcome.

The issues raised were discussed with the administration of the penitentiary institution, as well as with the medical staff of the “Abovyan” subdivision of the “Penitentiary Medicine Center” SNCO. The registered problems will be summarized in the prescribed manner, together with the proposals for their solution will be submitted to the competent bodies of the field.

During the visit, the administration of the penitentiary institution, the medical staff actively cooperated with the representatives of the Human Rights Defender in carrying out their duties, and there were no obstacles to work.

The registered problems will be summarized and proposals for their solution will be submitted to the competent body.