Today, the representatives of Anti-Corruption Coalition of Yerevan Civil Society Organizations (CSO) organized a discussion on the issues of structure and effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption Council established by the Government.

During the discussion the participants expressed concerns that the Government created Anti-Corruption Council did not meet the criteria established in a number of international instruments, such as Articles 6 and  36 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies” and Kuala Lumpur Statement on Anti-Corruption Strategies.

The CSO representatives were also concerned that the Government had not so far made any practical steps aimed to solution of the proposals and problems, which the CSOs presented in their address to the Prime Minister.

At the same time, the CSO representatives attached importance to the Civil Society – Government dialogue in as an important condition for the effectiveness of the fight against corruption.

As a result of discussions the CSO representatives adopted a statement. Notably, on 12 and 13 March the representatives of CSO that operate in the marzes and are members of CSOs’ Anti-Corruption Coalition, had organized such discussions ad adopted the statement as well. The discussions were held in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Kapan, Gavar, and Ararat cities.

It is due to mention that the Anti-Corruption Coalition was established on the initiative of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association and the Freedom of Information NGOs on 28 November 2014. Around 70 CSOs from Yerevan and marzes are members of the Coalition.

At the end of the meeting the participants received the Certificates of Participation in three-day anti-corruption trainings organized in the framework of “Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion” project. The organizations that received certificates will have an opportunity to apply for the small grants tender announced in the framework of the project.

Iravaban.net