On 21 May, the regular training was held in the city of Ijevan, Tavush region, aimed at improving the signaling system. The training was carried out within the framework of the nationwide awareness program.

Before the beginning of the course, the program experts welcomed the representatives of local self-government bodies and the regional administration of Tavush Marz for their willingness to participate in the course.

The background of the introduction of the whistle-blowing system, the obtained results, the raised issues, which essentially formed the basis for the start of this nationwide program, were presented to the attendants. The overall objective of the whistle-blowing system, the need to change the public perception of the system and the directions were presented as well.

Further, the participants were provided the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the azdararir.am unified whistle-blowing platform operating in the RA, its operating rules, the mechanisms for the protection of privacy and anonymity.

The training took a more interactive course when participants were divided into groups and performed case studies and group work to develop practical skills. Through these group works they raised a number of issues regarding the system, which will be taken into account during the development of further reforms and regulations.

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 that are carried out in the scope of the campaign 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, Ararat, Gyumri and Ashtarak 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.