On 7 November, an online public discussion dedicated to justice sector budget transparency and promoting public participation in budget processes of anti-corruption education was held at the initiative of the “New Stage” NGO. The objective of the event was to contribute to the clarification of shortcomings recorded in the sector, analyze current budget processes and discuss possible mechanisms for reforms, as well as to create a platform for effective dialogue between state structures and expert groups.

Representatives of the following state institutions participated in the discussion:

• The RA Corruption Prevention Commission of the RA
• The RA Ministry of Justice
• The RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports

During the meeting, the results of a detailed analysis of the 2024 justice sector budget were presented. The shortcomings recorded in the field of anti-corruption education were revealed.

The participants made proposals for solving the identified problems, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and effective management of the budget.

Representatives of the “New Stage” NGO presented the experience of the organization, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and consultative mechanisms for achieving progress in the field of anti-corruption education. The representatives of the organization presented recommendations to reform the sector through the introduction of educational and awareness-raising activities, digital tools, and monitoring mechanisms.

In conclusion, the participants agreed on further cooperation, the implementation of the discussed proposals, and the development of mechanisms for monitoring reforms in the sector.

This event was organized with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of a sub-grant provided under the “Budgets for Citizens” action implemented by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, in cooperation with partners “Economic Development and Research Center” (EDRC) NGO and “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic). It has been implemented by the “New Stage” NGO within the framework of the “Advocacy and Public Discussion based on Budget Analysis of Justice Sector” Project. The “New Stage” NGO is responsible for the content, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.