The U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office (INL) funded a six-week training session for Armenian law enforcement focused on best practices in investigations for cases involving minors, from March-May 2017 for investigators of the Investigative Committee (IC). Through the training, 21 investigators have become experts on juvenile rights and crimes issues unique to investigations where juveniles are accused of crimes or are victims of crime.
The training brought together legal, psychological, and social experts who spoke about various laws, resources, and organizations available across Armenia to aid in these cases. The courses discussed issues in the field and legislative gaps that can affect the investigations.
Through the training sessions, the Embassy worked to promote the protection of the rights of children and help vulnerable Armenian children. A social assistance module in the course, for example, provided a general understanding of Armenia’s child assistance structure as well as explored the unique social needs of minor victims of crime. Participants also learned about programs for children lacking parental care as well as various state and non-state resources that exist to improve the ability of law enforcement to act in the best interest of a child.
This training supported Armenia’s efforts to modernize its law enforcement agencies, helping protect the most vulnerable Armenians while safeguarding others from international crime. Learn more here about how INL works to keep people safe by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad.