YEREVAN. – A new initiative aimed at boosting justice and human rights standards in Armenia was launched with EU support by the Armenian non-governmental organization “Protection of Rights without Borders” (PRWB) in January 2013.

The main goal of the EU funded project “Empowering Armenian Justice System through studying EU Law” is to increase knowledge and disseminate information about European Union Law and the European Court of Justice (ECJ) through public awareness raising activities.

In the words of the Project Director Siranush Sahakyan, “Europe, European values and European guidelines of human rights are discussed every day, they are praised and criticized, but sometimes even professionals find it complicated to duly comprehend and apply them,” noted Sahakyan, “Awareness of European human rights standards will help Armenian people to better protect their rights.”

In the scope of the project, a number of debate sessions with professionals involved in EU-Armenia integration will be held. The project will set up workshops on the EU, EU law and the European Court of Justice—its case-law—for judges, prosecutors, attorneys, lawyers and lecturers. Short and long-term courses on European Union Law will be designed in collaboration with the Higher Education institutions.

Moreover, a Moot court competition for students will also be organized and the winning team will be able to join an informative study-visit to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg called “Trip to Justice.” Overall, the project will contribute to efficient legal approximation of Armenian legislation and incorporation of EU human rights standards into Armenian legal system.

The duration of the project is twelve months and the total EU funding amounts to 149,491 euros.