On May 27 and 30, 2025, the Armenian Lawyers’ Association (ALA) organized four online focus group discussions as part of the “Public Oversight and Awareness Raising for Effective and Inclusive Police Reforms” sub-grant project.
Two of the discussions were held with representatives of state institutions involved in the implementation of the 2024–2026 Police Reform Strategy and its Action Plan. The other two discussions gathered representatives of civil society organizations, lawyers, and experts working in the areas of public security, human rights, and anti-corruption.
The purpose of the discussions was to assess the implementation of actions outlined in the Police Reform Strategy and Action Plan, specifically those planned for the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025.
During the discussions, state representatives presented updates on the progress of their respective actions, while CSO participants raised key concerns and provided constructive recommendations to enhance transparency and the effectiveness of the reform process.
The discussions focused on the following strategic directions:
- Strategic Direction 2: Strengthening integrity and preventing corruption within the police system,
- Strategic Direction 7: Community policing and citizen engagement,
- Strategic Direction 12: International cooperation and public communication within the police reform framework.
Key takeaways from the discussions will be reflected in the public monitoring report to be prepared by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association. The report will be shared with stakeholders and the general public and will contribute to informed policymaking and improved accountability.
The “Public Monitoring and Awareness of Effective and Inclusive Police Reforms” sub-grant is being implemented by the Armenian Lawyers Association through the “Justice Reform Monitoring in Armenia” program (www.juremonia.am) funded by the European Union, within the framework of a grant announced by the “Social Justice” public organization.
The overall goal of the program is to increase civil society participation in monitoring police reforms and impact assessment by ensuring structural engagement mechanisms, independent evaluation and raising public awareness. Close cooperation and engagement with public organizations as well as relevant subdivisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is envisaged during program implementation.
This article was prepared with the financial support of the European Union. The Armenian Lawyers Association is responsible for the content and it does not necessarily express the views of the European Union.
