The Human Rights Defender initiated a number of special training-discussions for staff of the Penitentiary Service and penitentiary institutions, including doctors, psychologists and security who directly interact with persons deprived of liberty.
Within the first discussion, the Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan stressed the importance of the meetings in such formats, speaking about the shortcomings of the competent state bodies in medical care and service.
"Introduction of the system of social guarantees for doctors working in penitentiary institutions and their regular training is of primary importance. It is also important to ensure the independence of doctors and guarantee doctor-patient relations based on trust," noted Arman Tatoyan.
Within the discussions and trainings in upcoming days, the representatives of the Human Rights Defender's National Prevention Mechanism will introduce national and international standards on prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The issues concerning the socio-psychological and medical problems in penitentiary institutions, specifically with regard to psychological consultation, organization of health services, medical ethics, prevention of suicide and supervision over hunger strike will be discussed.
Training-discussions are organized within the framework of the project on “Implementation of SPT recommendations to the National Preventive Mechanism of Armenia and strengthening its capacities”.