OSCE Office trains media on covering penal system in Armenia

The OSCE Office in Yerevan, in co-operation with non-governmental organization the Helsinki Committee of Armenia, held a workshop on 11 to 12 October 2014 in Tsakhkadzor, in Armenia’s Kotayq region, on the principles of ethical reporting about the penal system.

Some 15 journalists and camera operators from Yerevan and Armenia’s regions discussed the rules of accurate reporting on issues and cases related to people in detention or imprisonment. There was a particular focus on journalistic ethics related to covering media items on juveniles and life-term prisoners.

Local experts introduced human rights concepts, national legislation on non-discrimination and torture prevention, international norms and best practices. Due attention was given to the minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners. 

The workshop is part of the OSCE’s efforts aimed at supporting penal reforms and raising the capacity of media representatives to cover and explore issues related to the penal system.