Grant List of 2016 Year

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-29

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19541

Organization:

Non-Discrimination and Equility Coalition

Grant Amount:

$68,100.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to advocate for development of anti-discrimination legislation; to promote narrative on right to non-discrimination and the principle of equality in the society, to raise awareness of individuals and groups subjected to discrimination and strengthen their capacities to protect their rights, to institutionalize the work of Non-Discrimination and Equality Coalition. The Coalition will develop its code of ethics, rules of procedure, internal and communication strategy, editorial guidelines; conduct awareness raising campaigns and develop policy dialogue with the government; develop toolkit for empowerment of beneficiaries and conduct capacity building activities; promote the idea of ‘safe space’ among NGOs; prepare policy brief on anti-discrimination legislation and present recommendations to relevant stakeholders and decision makers; support litigation of strategic cases; develop a course on discrimination for Chamber of Advocates; establish a hotline and a referral mechanism; provide legal aid and document cases; review legal acts in education, public health and labor fields to identify discriminatory provisions and advocate for elimination thereof

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-26

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19484

Organization:

Khnamk, NGO

Grant Amount:

$29,294.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to achieve a systemic change in the area of mental health through implementation of the community-based type of model for 10 people in the premises provided by the City Municipality of Spitak town. The model will be based on recovery and community participation principles. The project envisages delivery of services, evaluation of services and submission of the evaluation results to the government for financial and regulatory adjustments and for further expansion of services nation-wide. Khnamk, NGO will continue fundraising activities to secure funding. By the end of the first reporting period and before the second grant installment Khnamk, NGO should submit the official document to the Foundation securing funding from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affaires, Spitak city Municipality

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-27

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19520

Organization:

Yerevan State University, Center of Applied Psychology

Grant Amount:

$18,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to institutionalize a 168 hours academic multidisciplinary palliative care Master’s Program Practical Course on “Clinical psychology and psychotherapy” at the Center for Applied Psychology of the Yerevan State University through learning international experience, developing palliative care practical modules for psychologists, social workers and physicians, publishing course materials, teaching the course for 40 students and advocating for adoption of the practical course at the university. The main topics of the training modules include communication skills, empathy and breaking bad news, patients’ psychological state and maladaptive emotional reactions, as well as specialist’s burn-out and self-help skills

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-29

Program:

Women

Grant Number:

19506

Organization:

Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women

Grant Amount:

$30,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to raise societal awareness about domestic violence and reduce the number of cases of domestic violence through preventative strategies. The Coalition will conduct strategy planning, advocacy for adoption of DV law and monitoring of its implementation, research on Gender Equality law and publication of the research, development of Coalition’s communication strategy and public events for awareness raising

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-29

Program:

Women

Grant Number:

19558

Organization:

Women's Resource Center

Grant Amount:

$8,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to identify priorities for and develop a strategy of Feminist/Women’s Fund in Armenia. The organization will conduct a mapping of women’s NGOs and all relevant groups working on women/gender issues in the country; identify the area and scope of work of local NGOs and initiative groups; prioritize economic, social and psychological needs of women’s NGOs and initiative groups (feminist initiatives, activist groups, etc.); find out challenges and obstacles that women’s NGOs and initiative groups are facing; identify resources that women’s NGOs and initiative groups currently have; outline main areas of intervention and strategy of Women’s Fund; identify potential partners on local, regional and international levels; develop recommendations that will help Women’s Fund to function effectively and serve the needs of various groups of women and girls

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-27

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19559

Organization:

Legal Analyses and Development Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$13,900.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to conduct court monitoring on litigation of cases entered the court in the result of mass protests in July 2016. The monitoring will be specifically focused on several groups of cases, particularly involving: activists, whose rights were violated; activists, who are submitted to criminal charges; armed group of “Sasna Tsrer” and people, who are accused as their supporters. The monitoring will be conducted on the basis of the questionnaires, developed based on the recommendations of OSCE/ODIHR (“Trial Monitoring. A Reference Manual for Practitioners”). The findings of monitoring will be analyzed according to the methodology and recommendations, provided by international and national best practice and international standards for human and procedural rights in court proceedings. The findings will be gathered in the report that will be presented to the public and respective state bodies by the end of July 2017

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19529

Organization:

Asparez, Journalists' Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$67,600.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to continue the development and capacity building of established Civic Youth Centers in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Armavir and Gavar cities through trainings, monitoring initiatives and engaging in pre and post- election observation. Within the first component, 5 trainings to strengthen the skills of the Youth Centers to monitor the transparency and accountability of the local government and the use of public funds as well as monitor the quality of community services (schools and public health institutions) will be carried out. Within the second component, Youth Centers will carry out 5 monitoring initiatives of local health care institutions and schools, will carry out oversight of the local government activities and will send inquiries to at least 15 community councils using freedom of information law. At least 10 public discussions and meetings in all youth centers will be carried out to promote the discourse on anti-discrimination, social justice, human rights and accountability. Within the second component, activities to increase the institutional capacity of Asparez, Journalists’ Club with regard to accounting and financial reporting will also be carried out. Prior to 2017 parliamentary elections publication and wide distribution of newspapers and printed materials on admin resource monitoring results as well as production of videos and social adds on voters rights will be carried out. The advocacy work will be done through local TV channels and the Foundation’s media partners (Asparez regional journalists, Media Center and Hetq)

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-28

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19539

Organization:

"Factor" Information Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$103,657.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to support establishment of an independent online media platform that will promote freedom of expression and spread of democratic values, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the ideas of social justice and rule of law. The online media platform will aim to sustain diverse public discourse, ensure credible information dissemination, and give voice to liberal ideas and alternative opinions. Independent and balanced media products and journalistic analysis will be prepared and widely distributed. More specifically, the online media platform will produce and broadcast documentary films, investigative video materials, on-line discussions, monthly interviews/debates on the issues of public concerns, will publish analytical articles. Video materials will be produced by the core team of content producers and the partner media organizations contributing to the platform. Coalition of media partners will contribute to the online media platform

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-27

Program:

Women

Grant Number:

19510

Organization:

Sexual Assault Crisis Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$10,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to conduct a comprehensive research in the field of sexual assault in Armenia. Two experts will implement quantitative data analysis at the Investigation Committee of sexual assault cases from 2015-2016 and then a qualitative analysis will be conducted based on issues raised during the quantitative research. The outcomes of the research will be presented to the stakeholders during 2 press-conferences

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-12-27

Program:

Women

Grant Number:

19549

Organization:

Women's Support Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$15,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to increase awareness on sexual and reproductive health and rights as they relate to vulnerable populations in Armenia and to advocate for government accountability. The organization will research and develop two papers on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women in Armenia as they relate to sex-selective abortion and domestic violence. Based on the first research paper, which will reveal potential hazards of passing recent legislative amendments on sex selective abortion, the organization will advocate for rights-based policies the government can use to respond appropriately to sex-selective abortions. The second research will provide for policy recommendations to put into place effective policies and protocols as well as recommendations for health and social service providers working with victims of domestic violence. The organization will also hold 2 round-table discussions with key decision makers and stakeholders to present the findings and discuss issues highlighted in researches in order to push reform in the area

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-11-24

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19523

Organization:

CPI Rights Protection Armenian Center

Grant Amount:

$37,730.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to contribute to better protection of human rights in Armenia through strategic litigation and rising of practical skills and knowledge of attorneys and legal specialists. The project will be implemented by bringing together the work on capacity building, through organization and provision of series of cascade trainings for a group of 20-25 lawyers in Yerevan and advanced group of 6-8 lawyers in Strasburg. The capacity building will include the selection of 4-6 cases which will be mentored by the grantee with an aim to be filed to ECHR

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-11-29

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19522

Organization:

Protection of Rights Without Borders, NGO

Grant Amount:

$70,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to provide support effective remedy mechanism for the alleged violations of human rights, particularly the right to assemblies, freedom of expression, prohibition of torture, and the right to liberty for the victims of July 17-29, 2016 events. For this purpose a group of 6 NGOs and 10 lawyers will aim their activities at three main directions: provision of legal aid and courts representation of the victims at national level; submission of about 40 applications to the ECHR; advocacy for the change of public policy and practices of relevant state institutions (police, SIS, Prosecutor General, courts, etc.). For proper implementation of the approved strategy of the project the external independent experts will be involved for the consultancy, who will meet the participants of the project once in a month

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-11-15

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19493

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$50,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: reveal and prevent violations of human rights and promote reforms in the Penitentiary system of Armenia by carrying out monitoring of prisons and developing and advocating legal\policy recommendations for bringing regulations of the penal system in line with international and European prison rules. The Monitoring Group will conduct urgent and planned visits to all (12) penitentiary institutions, evaluate the needs of convicts, document violations, apply to relevant state bodies to redress infringements, initiate litigation to restore the rights of prisoners and publicize information about the situation in prisons. The Group will particularly monitor investigations of deaths and self-injuries, reveal cases of torture, ill-treatment and discrimination, disclose corruption practices in penitentiary institutions and assess healthcare problems and access to mental health service. The annual report on the human rights situation in penitentiary institutions will be prepared and published. The Group will elaborate recommendations to the Penal Code on the issues of release on parole, life sentenced prisoners, appeal mechanisms and improvements of conditions. The regulations on medical examination of detainees will be reviewed for compliance with the Istanbul Protocol mechanisms, and recommendations to improve prison healthcare as per CoE supported concept approved by the MoJ will be developed. The Group will cooperate with civil society partners and organize public events and regular meetings with the government officials and MPs to advocate for adoption of recommendations

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-11-11

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19521

Organization:

Center for Rights Development, NGO

Grant Amount:

$39,972.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to promote implementation of right to health within healthcare services by documenting cases of violations through the established “Healthrights” hotline system and referral mechanism, raising awareness of population on their right to health and supporting patients in restoring their rights through different legal remedies, including free legal aid and litigation (200 calls received, documented and addressed). In order to institutionalize the established “Healthrights” hotline system the organization will train 15 students of legal clinics of Yerevan State University and French University on health and human rights and engage them in documentation and human rights protection of socially vulnerable population. The awareness raising campaign will be organized to increase knowledge of population on health and human rights issues (10 meetings conducted with different social groups in all regions of Armenia, flyers and advertisements posted in relevant health institutions and information about violations spread through on-line and social media, 3 press conferences organized with Media center, 3 articles produced). To improve access to healthcare services monitoring of systematic human rights violations will be conducted based on documented cases, two studies will be prepared on securing confidentially in e-health system and revealing gaps in legal acts regulating the system of state procurement in Armenia. The organization will update information of national health policies and legislation, namely compliance of national health mechanisms with international norms will be studied to advocate for changes (Human Rights Practitioner Guide updated and disseminated)

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-10-28

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19509

Organization:

Hazarashen, Armenian Center for Ethnological Studies

Grant Amount:

$30,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to collect archival data and raise public awareness on the repressions of Stalin era, via generating name lists of 15,000 victims based on several criteria such as time of the repression, formal accusation, court decision, punishment, consequence, court acquittal. The lists will be published and used by the project team as tools for active communication with the public (press conferences, TV programs, public presentations) to reinforce public demand for justice, facilitate further research and discussion on Stalin era repressions and impact of authoritarian abuse of state power on Armenian society

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-10-17

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19507

Organization:

Umbrella, Journalists International Network, NGO

Grant Amount:

$1,150.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: 1) to alter the dominant discriminatory discourse in media, which heavily influences public perceptions, and to challenge the existing stereotypes and intolerance in the society by publication of thematic articles on discrimination and intolerance and covering the issues of marginalized groups that are left in margins through human stories, interviews and analysis of the existing policies, practices norms, and narratives; 2) to bring an alternative discourse into media as a reliable and alternative source of political journalism against the background of media manipulations by preparing quality media products, balanced and comprehensive analytical materials addressing social, economic, political and human rights situation in Armenia after joining the EEU. The grant aims to provide office furniture for implementation of the grant project 19333

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-29

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19492

Organization:

Transparency International Anticorruption Center

Grant Amount:

$33,850.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to contribute to the conduct of fair elections in Armenia and enhance the trust of the population towards the outcome of the elections through carrying out electronic analysis of voting numbers during 2017 parliamentary elections. Project aims to control the accuracy of the process and results of voting in all precincts, to analyze possible instances of irregularities and fraud during voting, assess the impact of irregularities and fraud on the outcome of the parliamentary elections, and widely disseminate the results of that analysis. Data from the protocols of all precinct electoral commissions will be imported into the databases of the software and will be analyzed for possible irregularities and discrepancies. Electronic monitoring methodology and software will be adjusted to the new Electoral Code, and a special page on TIAC website for posting the results of the monitoring will be designed. Based on the results of the analysis, a final report on the findings will be prepared and disseminated among the stakeholders and general public. In case of the 2nd round of the parliamentary elections, the electronic monitoring of voting numbers for the 2nd phase will be implemented

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-26

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19456

Organization:

Transparency International Anticorruption Center

Grant Amount:

$43,850.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to contribute in the formulation and implementation of effective anti-corruption policies in Armenia through promoting transparent and accountable management of public finances. The gaps and shortcomings of the Armenian legislation on public procurement will be identified; implementation of the procurement legislation in practice will be assessed; corruption risks and malpractices in procurement processes will be identified; the recommendations will be promoted. The following components will be subjects of the public procurement monitoring – appeals system, single source procurement, framework agreements, procurement for military. The procurement processes related to the World Bank Education Improvement Project by public entities implementing projects funded through credits/loans received by the Armenian Government will also be monitored. The project findings will be presented and disseminated on the ongoing basis through round-table discussions, policy papers/briefs, monitoring bulletins, interviews to media and webpage on procurement control. An online publication will be prepared on the results of monitoring and presentation of findings, results of analysis and developed recommendations will be presented at a final round-table discussion

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-29

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19503

Organization:

Armenian Pediatric Association

Grant Amount:

$18,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to develop, introduce and promote integration of the pediatric palliative care teaching program in relevant health and social institutions through organizing training of trainer’s course for the key staff (4 trainings for 15 health professionals) of relevant health and social institutions with support of the international expert; engaging the trained staff in review of the existing local and international resources to learn best practices, developing and incorporating basics of pediatric palliative care into curriculum of pre-service training of relevant educational institutions

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-19

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19469

Organization:

Union of Informed Citizens, NGO

Grant Amount:

$13,870.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to carry out monitoring of the activities of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia with regard to around 100 policies and regulations which based on the new electoral code shall be adopted and which will reflect the integrity of election process. The team will closely monitor the process to make sure that the new policies and recommendations are in conformity with the recommendations of the civil society. At least 5 public discussions will be organized to gather the recommendations of the civil society and present project results. To increase the capacity of the organization, a study tour will be organized for the team members for exchange of experience with www.stopfake.org public initiative

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-08-30

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19472

Organization:

Scientific and Practical Centre of Protection of the Public Health and Social Rights, NGO

Grant Amount:

$40,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to identify and discuss the gaps in healthcare system of Armenia, share information on the latest developments, and initiate a discourse among policy makers, decision makers, health professionals, civil society in developing effective health services based human rights values at the national level through organizing a 3-day health and human rights conference in November 2016, Yerevan, Armenia. This project will combine and present all developments in the area of health and human rights, including patients and provider’s rights and responsibilities, implementation of right to health in general, namely access to health, confidentiality and privacy, quality health services. The topics of the conference include prison health, HIV, mental health, palliative care, implementation of human rights protection mechanisms in health. The workshop will host various representatives, including state officials, civil society, health and human rights experts, international experts in the mentioned fields for exchange of experience and future cooperation (around 80 people). The workshop will analyze the results to formulate policy recommendations to the government

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-08-31

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19459

Organization:

Real World, Real People, NGO

Grant Amount:

$39,996.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to improve human rights norms and practices in regard with access to health of palliative care patients, people who live with HIV and population vulnerable to HIV through monitoring implementation of the National Concept on Medical Palliative Care and National Program on the Response to HIV Epidemic in Armenia, providing human rights protection to restore the rights of 130 representatives of marginalized and vulnerable population (people in need of palliative care and pain relief, injecting drug users, sex workers, LGBT community); initiating discussions and dissemination of the results of monitoring in the area of HIV and palliative care among relevant stakeholders (2 reports will be produced and 2 discussions organized), organizing awareness raising activities in close cooperation with media representatives to present rights violations and legal gaps in the fields (articles with patients’ stories), and conducting advocacy through regular meetings and discussions with government officials and stakeholders in the field to promote a change in policy and practice

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-01

Program:

Public Health

Grant Number:

19464

Organization:

Khnamk, NGO

Grant Amount:

$29,900.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to achieve a systemic change in the area of mental health through establishment and implementing the community-based type of model for up to 16 people in the premises provided by the City Municipality of Spitak town. The model will be based on recovery and community participation principles. The project envisages delivery of services, evaluation of services and submission of the evaluation results to the government for financial and regulatory adjustments and for further expansion of services nation-wide

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-01

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19471

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly-Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$104,000.00

Purpose:

For the following purposes: to strengthen national mechanisms for securing protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of population, particularly in the areas of military service, criminal justice, mental health, drug policy; to develop mechanisms for civic oversight of state and local government application of human rights in the target areas (right to assembly and free movement, freedom of press and speech, right to a fair trial, right to be free of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, electoral rights); to enhance transparency and accountability of the activities of public policy agencies; and to promote expansion of human rights movement in Armenia. The organization will provide legal aid to 1200-1500 people to address human rights violations and conduct 56-60 strategic litigation cases to redress systematic problems; monitor and document human rights violations in closed and semi-closed institutions, armed forces, psychiatric and narcological institutions; will conduct legal analyses and advocacy to promote changes in the key human rights and justice laws and law enforcement practices, such as the Law on Psychiatric Care, the Draft Criminal Procedure Code, the National Strategy on Human Rights Protection, the Law on Conscripts and Law on NGOs, the Law on Administrative Offences. The organization will also provide input to international organizations and missions to document and voice human rights violations and will conduct advocacy campaigns to raise awareness among 50,000 people for engaging them in human rights activism

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-09-02

Program:

Education

Grant Number:

19458

Organization:

Institute of Public Policy, NGO

Grant Amount:

$42,000.00

Purpose:

The purpose of this project is: a) to analyze legal framework of tertiary education with a focus on the academic research regulatory system and contribute to the initiative on “Placing Research within Higher Education” with data collection, review and analysis, as well as final reporting; b) to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of operation of the State Inspectorate of Education and its possibilities to contribute to the development of equity and equality of education system; c) to study the challenges and bottlenecks for total inclusiveness of education targeting the reform philosophy/perception, needs identification and evaluation, and funding schemes; d) to study the international practice of defining the concept of quality of education, evaluate the definitions, and come up with possibilities of localizing those definitions in the educational discourse of Armenia; e) to ensure Institute of Public Policy, NGO’s sustainability and confirm its niche in the civil society landscape as a leading think tank in the field of education in Armenia, and the region in the long run

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-08-18

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19409

Organization:

Mandate, NGO

Grant Amount:

$63,660.00

Purpose:

To monitor legislative activities of the parliament, implementation of its oversight function, the activities of MPs and the Ethics Committee during 2016 fall and 2017 spring sessions to promote transparency and accountability of the parliament as a legislative, representative and political body. A monitoring report will be published at the end of the fall session, and publicly presented in a press-conference. The website will be updated on a regular basis with statistical data, journalistic articles, interviews and expert reviews which will be widely disseminated through media. The activities of the 5th convocation of the parliament from various perspectives will be summarized in a series of public discussions and press-conferences, statistical data, expert analysis, and infographics. The monitoring data for 4 years will be summarized to present the overall picture and main indicators of the parliamentary activities for the 5th convocation of the parliament. Alternative reports will be published on the activities the parliamentary factions and MPs summarizing their activities for the 5th convocation of the parliament. Activities of the parliament will be summarized for the following monitoring directions – efficiency of legislative activities, implementation of the oversight function, the activities of the Ethics Committee, indicators for individual MPs, evaluation of the activities of the majoritarian MPs, the parliamentary hearings, and asset declarations of MPs. Briefers, booklets and infographics on the activities of the MPs and the parliamentary factions will be prepared, published and widely distributed

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-08-01

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19338

Organization:

Investigative Journalists, NGO

Grant Amount:

$160,930.00

Purpose:

The purpose of the grant has two main directions: supporting investigative journalism in Armenia and scaling-up investigative journalism in the region of Eurasia through internships at Investigative Journalists, NGO. Within the first direction the organization’s activities aim to enhance anti-corruption efforts in the country, to ensure public control over transparent and accountable management of public funds and governance through journalistic investigations. Journalistic investigation will cover public procurement of the state and local self-government bodies, with particular focus on single source procurement, conflict of interest issues, revealing and publicizing instances of fraud of public funds through procurement. Journalistic investigations for integrity of public office holders will reveal corruption practice of the state officials, abuses of power and authority, detection of conflict of interest issues, analysis of income and property declarations of high-ranking officials, affiliated persons, and comparison of declared assets with their real properties. Follow-up of the publications up to initiation of court cases on the revealed corruption practices of the high ranking officials will be ensured. Mapping of the revealed cases and their legal follow-up will be made at hetq.am website. Journalistic investigations of foreign aid programs implemented by the government through international loans and grant funds in the areas of education, energy and road construction will be conducted. Journalistic investigations will also cover mining, banking and telecommunication sectors, disclosure of high officials holding monopoly, dominant or privileged position in those areas. Professional skills of investigative journalistic team will be developed through trainings and local internship. Within the second direction, two journalists from post-Soviet countries will pass internship at Investigative Journalists, NGO aimed to scale-up investigative work on government transparency and accountability and to facilitate a network that provided a platform for capacity building, sharing best practice and peer-review processes. During implementation of the project, 12 journalistic investigations, 120 investigative articles, 120 analytical articles, 60 informative articles, 60 photo stories, 12 video infographics, 24 analytical and 24 informational infographics, 4 expert analyses will be prepared and published, 2 investigative video films, 12 online programs and 60 video reports will be filmed. Eighteen staff members will be trained, 8 non-journalist correspondents will be trained to join the team, and 3 journalists (1 local and 2 foreign) will pass internship.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-06-29

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19462

Organization:

Helsinki Committee of Armenia

Grant Amount:

$103,925.00

Purpose:

The project has four main thematic directions: human rights in closed institutions, freedom of peaceful assemblies, non-discrimination and elections. Within the first component the organization’s activities will be aimed at protection of the rights of prisoners, life-termed prisoners and victims of torture. To this end: (a) ten strategic litigations will be represented at different court levels, including ECHR and at least 5 new cases will be initiated in the area of protection of rights of people in closed institutions, including the cases on torture and ill-treatment and specific issues of life-term prisoners; (b) the “public front desk” for penitentiary institutions will be provided, with engagement of young lawyers. . Bimonthly visits to penitentiaries will be organized to provide legal aid for detainees. Within the second component, the organization will conduct monitoring of the peaceful assemblies in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor and other sites as per need. To this end the organization will: (a) recruit 20-25 new monitors; (b) provide two trainings on the right to peaceful rallies and freedom of expression, as well as on monitoring techniques; (c) conduct monitoring of rallies; (d) publicize final monitoring report. The third component will be aimed at development of non-discriminatory attitude through training for 25-30 journalists to build their capacity to cover sensitive topics with rights-based approach. The training will include the practical work on preparation of articles and dissemination through media. The forth component will be aimed at monitoring of elections and strengthening the legal capacity of young activists. Within this component the trainings on democracy, human rights, civil disobedience, as well as methodology of elections’ monitoring for the young activists will be provided. The trained monitors will conduct monitoring of 2017 parliamentary elections and observation in 30 polling stations. The organization will prepare and publicize the “Ditord” annual report on human rights situation in Armenia.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-06-01

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19336

Organization:

Boon, Cultural-Scientific Foundation

Grant Amount:

$14,800.00

Purpose:

To prepare and broadcast 23 online series on human rights issues and civic movements with participation of lawyers, human rights defenders, activists and representatives of NGOs. The series will include two parts: the first part will focus on human rights issues, including but not limited to freedom of assembly, disability rights, women rights, discrimination and fair trial. The second part will include personal stories about activists and successes and failures of different civic movements. The series will be widely disseminated and advertised in social media platforms

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-05-30

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19389

Organization:

Asparez, Journalists' Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$36,029.00

Purpose:

To support the sustainability of Asparez newspaper and Asparez website through: 1) increasing the quality of articles with human rights based approach and sensitive coverage of issues of vulnerable groups and, 2) technical redesign of the website. New technologies and social media tools will be used to increase the visibility of the website and to attract young audience. The newspaper will be published five days per week with 720 copies and will be disseminated throughout the country; distribution network in Shirak region, particularly Maralik, Artik and Akhuryan communities will be in special focus. Expenses for trainings and honoraria for journalists will be covered by Asparez, Journalists’ Club, NGO as co-funding

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-05-30

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19392

Organization:

Public Journalism Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$58,092.00

Purpose:

To support operation of Media Center for providing an open space for civil society and media to share and disseminate alternative content and promote issue-based discourse between civic and political actors around the important socio-political developments, human rights and democratization. Media Center will be a collaborative debate platform for civil society, media, experts, politicians, state officials, activists, where discussions, press-conferences, debates, movie screenings, and interviews will be organized around the issues of human rights, corruption, accountability, justice, education, public health, economy and other. At least 70 discussions/press-conferences will be organized on the key issues and eight online debates will be conducted in cooperation with A1Plus. In addition, 10 regional discussions will be held in cooperation with partner NGOs to raise local issues and bring them to wider public discourse through Media Center’s outreach. Discussions/press-conferences will be broadcast live through Media Center’s YouTube channel. The major thematic focus of the project will be concentrated on the local elections in 2016 and Parliamentary elections in 2017. The British Embassy will invest $7,184

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-05-26

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19388

Organization:

Committee to Protect Freedom of Expressions, NGO

Grant Amount:

$11,250.00

Purpose:

To raise the issues of the digital rights, personal data protection, right to privacy and freedom of expression in the era of digital technologies through organizing a series of public discussions. The project objectives are formation of working group to identify current challenges and policy issues for the protection of digital rights and personal data; organizing public discussions on the issues of digital rights and personal data protection; development of policy recommendations to improve the current situation with regard to the protection of digital rights and personal protection, and promoting the ideas/concepts of digital rights from human rights prospective through publishing journalistic articles. A working group will be formed where the issues of digital rights, personal data protection will be formulated and discussed, speakers for public discussions will be identified, problems for journalistic articles will be defined to raise the issues of digital rights on the problem level, to understand possible consequences of them, to develop policy recommendations. A series of working group meetings will be followed by public discussions where the identified issues, policy papers will be presented, problems raised, and cooperative efforts made to develop policy recommendations. At least five public discussions are going to take place. Meetings of working group will be organized on regular basis. Five media articles will be prepared and published. A joint document of policy recommendations will be produced at the end of the project

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-04-01

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19390

Organization:

For Equal Rights, NGO

Grant Amount:

$82,740.00

Purpose:

To create a new platform for different civil society groups, journalists, reporters, policy fellows and youth. The newly designed space - Open Space Club - will be used as an open platform for informal meetings and discussions among partner non-governmental regional organizations and civil society groups and reporters, it will become a premise for discussions, debates, photo and multimedia exhibitions, workshops around various issues and topics: discrimination, human rights, women’s issues, political affairs and many more. In particular, the following activities are planned to be organized throughout a year: 10 monthly seminars for media, civil society groups, civic activists, students on discrimination, human rights, women’s issues, education policies, gender equality, on media-reporters’ ethics, etc; 25 discussions and presentation of the story-articles done by project journalists and colleagues (Hetq, Aravot), interviews with the targeted groups; at least 22 film screenings; 5 photo and multimedia exhibitions on human rights, discrimination, women's rights, refugees’ issues; monthly non-formal meetings and discussions with ministers, ambassadors, parliament members and deputies and other officials on current socio-economic and human right issues

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-03-30

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19337

Organization:

Center for Rights Development, NGO

Grant Amount:

$14,970.00

Purpose:

To raise legal awareness of the society, to develop mechanisms to facilitate access to justice for persons and groups that are vulnerable to discrimination, and to promote effective enforcement of current legislation and further law in practice. The draft law on discrimination will be revised and a research on access to justices for discrimination cases will be researched and appropriate recommendations will be advocated. Collaboration with the Equality Council lawyers will be established in terms of developing amicus curia and publicizing discrimination cases. At least one strategic litigation case will be started. Infographic booklets about discrimination will be developed and disseminated for awareness raising purposes. Five training-discussions will be conducted (2 in Yerevan for 40 participants, one in Syunik, Lori and Gegharkunik for 20 participants in each) for groups vulnerable to discrimination aimed at raising their awareness to recognize their violated right and expose to complain. Issues of labor discrimination, discrimination against ethnic minorities, discrimination based on health status and others will be covered

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-03-30

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19334

Organization:

Public Information and Need of Knowledge, NGO

Grant Amount:

$15,000.00

Purpose:

To elaborate a long-term communication strategy on fighting against discrimination, which will promote culture of inclusion and equality by challenging the existing stereotypes and exclusion factors. A comprehensive desk research will be conducted about the factors of discrimination in the economic, cultural, and political spheres of life, based on which respective recommendations and a report will be published. Diversity Champions program will be developed to work with CSOs in Armenia that will provide a network and expertise to keep organizations informed of changing laws and the implications, discuss the discrimination issues for their staff, as well as create a safe-space for their beneficiaries and visitors in the frames of the organization. Within the Diversity Champions program 55 NGOs will be monitored in terms of their inclusiveness and the extent that NGOs are dealing with discrimination and human rights issues and workplans will be developed with these NGOs to make their workplaces more inclusive. An award ceremony will be organized to give a prize to the Champion of Diversity and encourage the other organizations to become the Champion. A website will be developed as a common platform to collect and analyze discrimination cases as well as researches, methodological documents and events organized in the frames of anti-discrimination activities in Armenia. Together with other interested stakeholders a long-term advocacy strategy will be developed for challenging the discriminatory narrative by reframing messages and affirming common values. Once in a month, a workshop/training/meeting will be organized and held for the members of anti-discrimination coalition aiming at sharing of experiences, best practices in the frames of anti-discrimination

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-03-30

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19335

Organization:

New Generation, NGO

Grant Amount:

$15,000.00

Purpose:

To increase the visibility of groups subject to discrimination and to bring them to the frontline. Workshops will be organized to develop capacities of around 60 representatives of marginalized groups (beneficiaries of Anti Discrimination coalition NGOs, including people with physical and mental disabilities, LGBTQI people, PLHIV, representatives of religious minorities) to get more visible and fight for their rights. Three small sub-grants will be provided to the beneficiaries as follow-up activities in order to support them to raise their voices about the problems existing within their communities. Safe space standards will be assessed and adopted to local context and the level of inclusiveness among 55 CSOs from 10 regions of Armenia and Yerevan will be assessed. Three-day training for 22 CSOs will be held to enhance their capacities on the topics of prohibition of discrimination and creation of safe spaces. Annual meeting-discussion will be organized with participation of all stakeholders aimed at establishing connections between the CSOs, beneficiary groups, local and international state and non-state actors, and decision makers

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-03-27

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19333

Organization:

Umbrella, Journalists International Netwok, NGO

Grant Amount:

$20,000.00

Purpose:

1) to alter the dominant discriminatory discourse in media, which heavily influences public perceptions, and to challenge the existing stereotypes and intolerance in the society by publication of thematic articles on discrimination and intolerance and covering the issues of marginalized groups that are left in margins through human stories, interviews and analysis of the existing policies, practices norms, and narratives. Thirty six articles will be published about the issues of women’s rights, religious freedom, LGBT community, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, migrants and refugees, etc.; 2) to bring an alternative discourse into media as a reliable and alternative source of political journalism against the background of media manipulations by preparing quality media products, balanced and comprehensive analytical materials addressing social, economic, political and human rights situation in Armenia after joining the EEU. One hundred and fifty political articles and interviews addressing the challenges of Armenia’s internal and external policies will be provided through data-based, multidimensional analysis of existing situation. Along with the articles 25 illustrations and 12 photos will be published

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-02-25

Program:

Media

Grant Number:

19308

Organization:

For Equal Rights, NGO

Grant Amount:

$23,632.00

Purpose:

To promote culture of tolerance towards marginalized groups in society through stimulating media discourse in online and traditional media. The media coverage and discussion of socially marginalized groups and their problems, the issues of human rights and fundamental freedoms, education issues, corruption, social-political developments will be ensured through producing a series of analytical articles on Aravot.am and hosting TV programs in interview and discussion formats on Yerkir Media TV. Issues of the following groups and their rights will be topics of media discourse - people with disability, LGBT community, religious minorities, victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, people living with HIV, palliative care and mental health. Media discussion of education issues will focus on social equality, gender discrimination in schools, quality and accessibility of education. The project will be implemented in cooperation with Aravot.am, and Yerkir Media TV. Thirty six articles will be published on Aravot.am, weekly TV programs in discussion and interview formats will be hosted on Yerkir Media TV.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-02-09

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19297

Organization:

Khoran Ard, NGO

Grant Amount:

$18,500.00

Purpose:

To support the Civil Society Hub in Shirak to serve as space for local debates and alternative content, support local activism in raising critical issues and formulating demands for change and alternative solutions, engage rural CS community in promotion of accountability and justice, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local issues to the broader agenda. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) providing advanced learning opportunities for local activists through 10 training sessions on local electoral processes and observation, human rights and democracy, accountability and corruption, participation and monitoring of local governance and budgets; non-violent actions, and community development; 2) providing space and organizing at least 6 public discussions/debates in Gyumri on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 3) mobilizing active youth from 3 target communities (Ashotsq,Tsoghamarg, Bavra) and setting new active groups in Maralik and Dzorakap for raising local issues; 4) organizing open-space forum for promoting alternative ideas on community development and initiatives of youth and supporting implementation of at least 2 local initiatives; 5) preparing and disseminating through “Asparez” newspaper, Media Center, local TVs, radios and other media at least 12 articles on the issues raised by local active groups and other activities of the Hub; 6) monitoring of local elections in Shirak to be conducted in 2016 through checking the integrity of electoral lists and organizing awareness raising and issue-based debates between the candidates and population; 7) organizing online streaming and video-conferences on key issues with the help of Media Center; 8) exchanging information and cooperating with CS Hubs in Armavir, Syunik and Gegharkunik in local initiatives, discussions, press-conferences, local elections, etc.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-27

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19324

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$10,265.00

Purpose:

To strengthen the national mechanisms for human rights protection in the areas of military service, criminal justice, mental health, and drug policy, to develop mechanisms for civic oversight of state and local government, to enhance transparency and accountability of the activities of public policy agencies in the target areas and expansion of the human rights movement in Armenia. The organization will assess compliance of national legislation with international human rights norms and standards and propose amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, Draft Law on NGOs, Draft Law of Conscription and Military Service, will monitor implementation of legislative acts adopted throughout the implementation of the national strategies on Human Rights Protection and the Strategic Program for the RA Judicial and Legal Reforms, will initiate legislative initiatives on setting up permanent observation groups in the armed forces and medical facilities for persons with mental health problems.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-27

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19325

Organization:

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Vanadzor

Grant Amount:

$55,375.00

Purpose:

To strengthen the national mechanisms for human rights protection in the areas of military service, criminal justice, mental health, and drug policy, to develop mechanisms for civic oversight of state and local government, to enhance transparency and accountability of the activities of public policy agencies in the target areas and expand human rights movement in Armenia. The organization will ensure the rights protection of beneficiaries through providing legal aid and legal counseling to 600-700 people living in Vanadzor, Yerevan, Armavir, Gavar, Artashat, Charentsavan and Yeghegnadzor cities; will establish a Clearing House/Facilitation Center in the RA to improve pro-bono legal assistance; will monitor the implementation of the National Strategies in the targeted areas and human rights situation in nursing homes, narcological dispensaries, psychiatric clinics, armed forces and closed and semi-closed institutions. The organization will also develop reports for international bodies (UN agencies, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, etc.) to promote fulfillment of international human rights commitments by the state and will raise awareness of beneficiaries, media representatives on human rights.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-26

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19323

Organization:

Collaboration for Democracy Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$10,840.00

Purpose:

To advocate for changing the discriminatory provisions on the basis of religion in the government policies/legislation and develop cooperation between civil society and religious communities in advocacy for anti-discriminatory legislation. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) studying the government policies and legislation with a focus on identification of discriminatory approaches and activities based on religion; 2) analyzing correspondence of those documents and practices to the International Conventions ratified by Armenia, The RA Constitution, National Human Rights Strategy and other relevant legislation; 3) preparing a report with policy and legislative recommendations based on International standards for elimination of any kind of discrimination; 4) organizing meetings with civil society partners and religious communities to discuss discriminatory issues and recommendations for anti-discrimination legislation; 5) monitoring and reporting on the implementation of International obligations by Armenia (UPR, ECRI) in cooperation with civil society partners; 6) raising public awareness about the findings through a public discussion, interviews and articles in mass media.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-26

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19287

Organization:

Collaboration for Democracy Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$14,740.00

Purpose:

To monitor, analyze, and report on the situation with the religious rights in Armenia, protect from the violation of the right of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, raise public awareness and fight religious intolerance and stereotypes. This will be achieved through the following: 1) fact finding and collection of cases of discrimination by means of regular visits and meeting with religious communities; 2) protecting the right of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion by publication of violations, consultancy, legal support and litigations based on the identified cases; 3) updating and maintaining the database on the religious rights situation, conditions of alternative service, as well as litigations; 4) educating public and raising the problems of religious intolerance and discrimination with engagement of representatives of civil society, governmental and international organizations; 5) sharing information with mass media and interested parties, periodically updating and maintaining the www.religions.am web site; 6) publicizing at least 5 personal story-telling articles on religious discrimination in cooperation with Medialab.am online outlet.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-25

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19294

Organization:

Martuni Women's Community Council, NGO

Grant Amount:

$18,500.00

Purpose:

To support the Civil Society Hub in Gegharkunik to serve as space for local debates and alternative content, support local activism in raising critical issues and formulating demands for change and alternative solutions, engage rural CS community in promotion of accountability and justice, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local issues to the broader agenda. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) providing advanced learning opportunities for local activists through at least 5 training sessions on the public control over resources, electoral processes and observation, domestic violence, labor rights, access to health and education; 2) providing space and organizing at least 6 public discussions/debates in Martuni on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 3) mobilizing active youth from 7 target communities (Martuni, Nerkin Getashen, Vardenik, Vaghashen, Lichk, Artsvanist and Verin Getashen) for raising local issues supporting in implementation of at least 2 local initiatives; 4) preparing and disseminating through “Asparez” newspaper, Media Center, local TV, and other media at least 12 articles on the issues raised by local active groups and other activities of the Hub; 5) monitoring of local elections in Gegharkunik to be conducted in 2016 through checking the integrity of electoral lists and organizing issue-based debates between the candidates and population; 6) organizing online streaming and video-conferences on key issues with the help of Media Center; 7) exchanging information and cooperating with CS Hubs in Shirak, Syunik and Armavir in local initiatives, discussions, press-conferences, local elections, etc.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-25

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19298

Organization:

Goris Press Club, NGO

Grant Amount:

$18,490.00

Purpose:

To support the Civil Society Hub in Syunik to serve as space for local debates and alternative content, support local activism in raising critical issues and formulate demands for change and alternative solutions, engage rural CS community in promotion of accountability and justice, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local issues to the broader agenda. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) providing advanced learning opportunities for local activists through a series of trainings on electoral processes and observation, FOI, local governance accountability, human rights participation, advocacy, debates, etc; 2) providing space and organize at least 6 public discussions/debates in Goris on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 3) mobilizing active youth from 7 target communities (Vorotan, Qarahounge, Tatev, Shinuhayr Halidzor, Nerkin Khndzoresk, and Goris) for raising local issues, and supporting in implementation of 3 local initiatives; 4) preparing and disseminating through media 8 video materials and at least 12 articles to cover the issues raised by local active groups, as well as other problems in the region; 5) monitoring and providing media coverage of local elections in Syunik to be conducted in 2016 through checking the integrity of electoral lists and organizing issue-based debates between the candidates and population; 6) streaming and video-conferences on the most urgent issues with the help of Media Center and other media; 7) exchanging information and cooperating with CS Hubs in Shirak, Armavir and Gegharkunik in local initiatives, discussions, press-conferences, local elections, etc. The project will be evaluated in the period of the first four months (February 1 – May 31, 2016) in term of (1) provision of wider publicity and media coverage of the Hub’ activities and raised issues and (2) implemented civic initiatives on two local problems, in accordance with the Appendix B.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-02-11

Program:

Law

Grant Number:

19327

Organization:

Protection of Rights Without Borders, NGO

Grant Amount:

$4,965.00

Purpose:

To support the creation of the database on the violations and its legal developments which took place during the constitutional referendum on December 06, 2015.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-01-25

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19296

Organization:

Armavir Development Center, NGO

Grant Amount:

$18,502.00

Purpose:

To support the Civil Society Hub in Armavir to serve as space for local debates and alternative content, support local activism in raising critical issues and formulating demands for change and alternative solutions, engage rural CS community in promotion of accountability and justice, get involved in mainstream public discourse on key problems, and raise local issues to the broader agenda. This will be accomplished through the following: 1) providing advanced learning opportunities for local activists through at least 5 training sessions on electoral processes and observation, discrimination, domestic violence, accountability and corruption, access to health and education; 2) providing space and organizing at least 6 public discussions/debates in Armavir on the most important issues and developments in the country in cooperation with civil society partners; 3) mobilizing active youth from 6 target communities (Metsamor, Qarakert, Noravan, Tandzut, Miasnikyan and Nalbandyan) for raising local issues supporting in implementation of at least 2 local initiatives; 4) preparing and disseminating through “Asparez” newspaper, Media Center, local ALT TV, Public Radio and other media at least 12 articles on the issues raised by local active groups and other activities of the Hub; 5) monitoring of local elections in Armavir to be conducted in 2016 through checking the integrity of electoral lists and organizing issue-based debates between the candidates and population; 6) organizing online streaming and video-conferences on key issues with the help of Media Center; 7) exchanging information and cooperating with CS Hubs in Shirak, Syunik and Gegharkunik in local initiatives, discussions, press-conferences, local elections, etc.

Date of Grant Letter:

2016-02-11

Program:

Civil Society

Grant Number:

19326

Organization:

Union of Informed Citizens, NGO

Grant Amount:

$4,460.00

Purpose:

Once the draft of the new electoral code is published, the team will carry out in-depth analyses of the draft, will interview representatives of key civil society organizations and experts and will come up with joint recommendations to be included in the electoral code. A round table discussion will be organized with participation of civil society, MPs, media, state authorities and representatives of international organizations to discuss the major risks identified by civil society and will present their joint recommendations.