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Today the training course on Investigative Journalism on Human Rights issues in closed institutions, as well as in special schools and special care centers kicked off. Between May 31 and June 3 journalists will learn the principles of investigative journalism, as well as the peculiarities of covering topics on Human Rights issues in closed institutions.

In her opening speech Seda Muradyan, President of Public Journalism Club, expressed confidence that the training course will provide an opportunity to improve the quality and impartiality of journalistic materials, as well as shed light on the human rights situation in detention places, penitentiary institutions, psychiatric institutions, special schools and special care centers by forming effective and mutually beneficial cooperation among all contributors in the sector.

The training is organised within the framework of “A Public Glimpse into a Closed World: The Human Rights Situation in Closed Institutions in Armenia” project, as well as “Fight against Torture and Ill-treatment in Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine” regional project funded by the European Union (EU). The overall objectives of the training are to introduce the main concept and techniques of investigative journalism, coverage of human rights situation in closed institutions, special schools and special care centers, as well as the current state of human rights in closed institutions in Armenia.

The opening ceremony was attended by Suren Krmoyan RA Deputy Minister of Justice, Arman Tatoyan RA Ombudsman, Artur Saqunts, President of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office, Anahit Avanesyan, Deputy Minister of health.

Arman Tatoyan, RA Ombudsman stressed that the work conducted by Human Rights Office point to the existence of stereotypes in the field: “There is even a tendency to alienate journalists from these institutions. That is dangerous and disputable. There should be emphasis especially on changing those stereotypical perceptions.”

Suren Krmoyan, deputy minister of justice expressed willingness to support the organizers of the project. He emphasized the role of human rights advocates, journalists, monitoring groups in closed institutions the latters presenting the data from a different angle, and that in turn enables us to consider the situation objectively and seek both short and long term solutions.

“We emphasize the impartiality and professionalism in journalism. We will try to solve the problems that this project faces through direct contacts, engagement, expert support that in turn will contribute to strengthening, guaranteeing and exercising defense mechanisms human rights in our field”, the deputy minister added.

Seda Muradyan, President of Public Journalism Club expressed hope that the program team, the invited specialists and all the participants will not only share not only their skills but also inspiration to investigative journalism. Within the project grants will be offered for such material.

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“Public Journalism Club” (PJC) NGO in consortium with the “For Equal Rights” NGO (FER) launched “A Public Glimpse into a Closed World: Human Rights Situation in Closed Institutions in Armenia” two-year project financed by the European Union (EU) and co-funded by Open Society Foundations (OSF) –Armenia. The project started in December 2017.

The overall objective of the project is to improve human rights situation at closed institutions through increasing public awareness and public debate to identify and publicly discuss