OSCE marks the international day in support of victims of torture in Armenia

International standards, national legal frameworks and good practices on effective investigation of torture cases were discussed at an OSCE-supported conference held on 26 June 2015 in Yerevan in commemoration of the United Nations’ International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

A coalition of six human rights organizations joined together this year to mark the Day. They included the Foundation Against the Violation of Law, Open Society Foundations, Civil Society Institute, Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor Office, Helsinki Committee of Armenia and Protection of Human Rights without Borders.

The conference gathered representatives from state bodies, international organizations and human rights NGOs to discuss effective ways of combating torture and inhuman and degrading treatment and issues related to investigation of torture allegations. Participants also spoke about the findings of monitoring of closed institutions conducted by civil society groups and gave recommendations on how to improve human rights protection. Two international experts shared their experience in the field. Other discussion topics included legislative framework as well as compensation and rehabilitation services for torture victims.

To ensure wider public awareness, the event will be followed by a press conference organized by the coalition to present a joint statement on the situation, introduce the outcomes of the conference discussions and the next steps towards torture prevention.

The Conference was co-organized by the Fund against the Violation of Law NGO, Open Society Foundations and the OSCE Office in Yerevan.