Within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” project, implemented with the financial support of the European Union, the public discussion of the sub-grant project “Implementation of an Advocacy Campaign in the Justice Sector” was held on January 9. The project is implemented by the “Center for Economic Law” NGO.
The public discussion was attended by representatives of anti-corruption bodies in the justice sector of the Republic of Armenia, the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the Office of the President of the Republic of Armenia, civil society organizations, mass media, as well as independent sector experts.
The opening remarks were delivered by Movses Aristakesyan, President of the “Center for Economic Law” NGO, who presented the results of the sub-grant project “Implementation of an Advocacy Campaign in the Justice Sector” implemented by the organization.
The welcoming remarks were delivered by Karen Zadoyan, President of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association and “Budgets for Citizens” project manager. In his speech, he presented the activities carried out within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” project, emphasizing the development of civil society organizations’ capacities in the budgetary field, as well as the importance of training young professionals involved in budgetary processes. He highlighted the importance of strengthening CSOs’ budgetary capacities and the work carried out on the analysis of budget programmes in the justice sector.
Karen Zadoyan also emphasized the effective cooperation of the “Center for Economic Law” NGO with relevant sectoral state authorities within the framework of the sub-grant project “Implementation of an Advocacy Campaign in the Justice Sector”, as well as the results achieved.
During the event, the Sub-grant Project Manager, Susanna Yeghiazaryan, presented the report titled “Summary of the Results of the Sub-grant Program ‘Implementation of an Advocacy Campaign in the Field of Justice’”, outlining the studies conducted within the framework of the project, the process of advocacy implementation, as well as the key results achieved. In particular, the discussion addressed the structure of budget programmes of state bodies in the justice sector, issues related to budget planning and execution, the application of programme-based budgeting methodology, as well as the practice of formulating and assessing performance indicators.
The discussion also covered the level of participation of civil society organizations and mass media in the budgetary process, opportunities to increase transparency in the activities of anti-corruption bodies, and the effectiveness of advocacy mechanisms within the public administration system. Particular attention was paid to the need to improve the strategic components of budget submissions and the process of considering and adopting proposals.
At the conclusion of the event, an active question-and-answer session and constructive exchange of views took place, during which participants raised sector-specific issues and presented observations and recommendations aimed at improving state budget policy.
