On 15 March, the Armenian Lawyers’ Association organized a workshop on “Ant-Corruption Compliance” in Gavar which was dedicated to the internal capacity-building of the participants. The workshop was held in the scope of the EU-funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project which was co-funded by Center of International Private Enterprises.
Ms Liana Makvetsyan, Lawyer, Head of Gavar branch of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, welcomed the participants saying that anti-corruption measures will greatly promote business development in Gegharkunik marz and make their activities more protected. “During the project implementation as well as in the future, our organization will continue providing support for strengthening of stakeholders, providing advice when introducing the anti-corruption compliance program,” she said.
While speaking about their understanding of the notion of corruption the participants mainly described it as giving bribes, which usually occurs in the relationship between the state bodies and members of the society. According to them, although there is no definition of corruption as such in the Criminal Code, there is a responsibility for corruption manifestations.
Experts presented the notion of corruption, its manifestations and mentioned the money, repayment of debts, performance of certain actions in favor of a person, and refraining from performing certain actions in favor of a person and etc. Further, she then presented the components of the anti-corruption compliance program and the major international anti-corruption initiatives.
Project expert Lusine Nalbandyan conducted a group work with the participants. They found out through the game why their organization do need to introduce the anti-corruption compliance program.
It should be noted that at the beginning of the workshop the participants completed the tests, which included a number of questions about corruption schemes, anti-corruption compliance program, information on which is provided during the whole course. At the end of the workshop, the participants completed the same test for the second time to compare what knowledge they gained from the course.
Similar workshops has already been held in Vanadzor, in the upcoming days workshops will be held in Yerevan, Gyumri and Kapan as well.
