Civil Society Institute (CSI) and Foundation Against the
Violation of Law (FAVL) are teaming up for a series of events on 26 – 27 June
2013 to mark the United Nations’ International Day in Support of Victims of
Torture, 26 June.

Activists from both organisations will start their
activities on the morning of 26 June with a march and picket in front of
several relevant state bodies, including the RA Police (10:30 am), Kentron-Nor Nork Court of
General Jurisdiction (11:45 am), and
the RA Prosecutor's Office, Special Investigation Service and the Court of
Cassation (12:30 pm). The purpose of
the march is to raise awareness and hold those institutions responsible for the
persistence of torture accountable for their actions. In addition, the picket
will highlight the need to assist victims of torture.

Later that day, at
6:30 pm, on the corner of Northern Avenue and Pushkin Street, a flash
mob will take place under the slogan “Torture is a Crime.” The purpose of
this action is to draw people’s attention to the use of torture by law
enforcement officers. Further information is available at the event’s Facebook
page: goo.gl/VtNvG.

Finally, on Thursday, June
27, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm, a conference entitled “Refraining from Torture and the Right to Rehabilitation” will be heldat
the Congress Hotel. The event is being organized jointly by the RA Human Rights
Defender’s Office, CSI and FAVL.

The conference will address issues related to torture and
ill-treatment in the Armenian law enforcement institutions and propose steps
for its prevention. It will also discuss the ways how state institutions and
non-governmental organisations can work together in the field of medical-psychological
rehabilitation of victims of torture. Representatives of relevant governmental
bodies, representatives of the diplomatic corps, international and local NGOs
and journalists are invited to the event.

The organisation of these events on behalf of CSI is made
possible as part of the “Exclusion of Torture and Forced Confessions as a
Ground for Fair Trial" programme, funded jointly by the European Union (90%)
and Norwegian Helsinki Committee (10%).

The organisation of these events on behalf of FAVL is made
possible as part of the “Armenian rehabilitation and development center for the
victims of torture –ARDCen-TV" program, funded jointly by the United
Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and International Rehabilitation
Council for Torture Victims.