The Group was formed upon the A1-N decree of the Chief of Police of the Republic of Armenia from January 14, 2005. Being governed by the article 47 of the Law of Republic of Armenia “On Custody of Detainees and Prisoners”, the decree confirmed the Statute of the activities of the Group of public observers implementing monitoring at the detention facilities of the Police system of Republic of Armenia.

The Group of public observers conducting public monitoring of detention facilities of the Police system of the Republic of Armenia is a supervisory body that deals with the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals held in detention centers and facilities of the Police system. The members of the Group are being elected for the term 3 years.

In order to achieve the goals set forward, the Group members are entitled to unrestricted access to the detention facilities, to examine the content of various documents (including, with the consent of detainees, their personal files, confidential documents and correspondence), the situation in the center, and to meet detainees under the oversight of detention center. In its activities, the Group shall be governed by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, the Regulation and the Code of Ethics of the Group.

Group members may visit detention facilities on any day (including non-working days). At least three members of the Group shall take part in each visit. Members of the Group may, as a rule, meet a detainee in the presence of a representative of the detention center administration, and if necessary, also in privacy.

Although there is no any stated procedure for presentation of reports, there is a provision in the Statue of the Group that it has to implement at least one visit to at least half of the detention facilities within a year. However, since its operation the Group has submitted several current, ad hoc and annual reports.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address:

Demirchyan Street, 29-1a, Yerevan, Armenia

Phone: (+3741) 56 87 42

Mobile: (+374 77) 85 99 66

Email: policemonitor@list.ru, isksur@rambler.ru

Chairperson: Suren Iskandarya