Regional training within the framework of the nationwide awareness program on communication activities of the Whistle-Blowing System this time was held in Ashtarak city for the representatives of the local self-governing bodies and regional administration of the Aragatsotn marz.

The training started with welcome speeches of the program experts. After which they presented to the attention of the participants information about whistle-blowing in general, the unified whistle-blowing platform azdararir.am currently operating in RA, the steps to make a report through it, and also referred to the issue of concerns of many people about the privacy and anonymity provided by the platform.

The training took a more interactive course when participants were divided into groups and performed case studies and group work to develop practical skills.

The training was concluded with a number of questions and discussions of the participants.

The courses are carried out in the framework of cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), with the joint efforts of the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO and the Ministry of Justice.

The objective of awareness activities is to reduce negative perceptions in relation to whistleblowers, to increase public awareness about the vital role of whistleblowers, as well as to highlight the role of the Unified Electronic Platform for Whistle- Blowing (azdararir.am) in the fight against corruption.

As part of the nationwide campaign, it is planned to carry out educational activities in all regions of Armenia, involving community servants and other representatives. Before this similar trainings were carried in Sevan, Yeghegnadzor Goris, Armavir, Hrazdan and Ararat cities.

This article was produced with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU) within the framework of the Governance Progress Board measure of the Eastern Partnership Regional Fund for Public Administration Reform project implemented by GIZ. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Armenian Lawyers Association and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Government or the EU.