Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance
The goal of the project "Promoting Transparency and Accountability through Advanced Civil Society Participation" with short name "Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance" is to increase civic engagement in and oversight of reforms in Armenia aimed at improving of transparency and accountability of government actions and policies. It is achieved through civil society’s ability to engage citizens and articulate their interests improved and sustained; monitoring of government institutions, officials and policy process strengthened; citizen access to independent and reliable information increased; civil society enabling environment improved.
Budget
Donors
Beneficiaries
Citizens, CSOs
Partners
Journalists' Club “Asparez”; Investigative Journalists NGO; the European Center for Non-for-profit Law (Hungary); Civic Development and Partnership Foundation; Basel Institute of Governance (Switzerland)
Subgrants
Promoting Transparency and Accountability through Advanced Civil Society Participation Project
Center for community mobilization and support
The projects aims to identify and propose solutions associated with the negative impact zones of the RA mining industry Negative impact zones of the mining industry in Armenia face the same problems, but in different regions the awareness and urgency of the problem is at different levels, which is largely due to the difference in the capacity, awareness and cooperation with the media.v
OECD Assessment of the implementation of the 4th phase monitoring
Restart Foundation for Science and Education
The project aims to identify the possible role of students in ensuring well-being in Armenian universities within the framework of the recommendations singled out by the OECD 4th monitoring period.
OECD Assessment of the implementation of the 4th phase monitoring related to the recommendations to higher education
Institute of Public Policy NGO
The project aims to assess the level of implementation of 16 recommendations identified by the OECD 4th monitoring period, which are designed to increase the levels of effectiveness of anti-corruption policy in the field of higher education, quality assurance of education, transparency of educational processes.
Mining Sector Policy Dialog, Information Portal, and Youth Engagement
American University in Armenia Fund
The project will build on the previously completed ITAMSPE project outputs, and will further strengthen the key stakeholders’ awareness about the EITI process and responsible mining, as well as will initiate and manage policy dialogue process on mining, engage youth on mining monitoring and EITI standard and come up with a resource portal with all available information about mining in Armenia.
Liability of Non-operating Mining Companies in EITI Process
“EcoLur” Informational NGO
The project goal is to contribute to the increase in the liability of non-operating mining organizations with mining permits, but not operating for the fulfillment of the obligations stipulated by soil management contracts or other permits. To contribute to the increase in the accountability and transparency of non-operating mining organizations with mining permits towards the accountability in front of affected communities. To conduct an information campaign to facilitate compliance with the commitments undertaken by non-operating soil managers under the soil management contracts or other permits, to support raising the awareness of the affected communities and the protection of their interests.
Transparent and accountable mining sector
"Centre for Community Mobilization and Support” NGO
The project goal is contribute to the introduction and application of proposals addressed to the transparent management of mining sector in Lori marz of RA, in Alaverdi, Akhtala, Shnogh and Odzun communities specifically.
Mining transparency in the agenda
“Kapan.in” Initiative team
The project goal is contribute to the introduction and application of proposals addressed to the transparent management of mining sector in stakeholder communities of Syunik marz, RA.
The mining affected communities as full participants in the EITI process
"Ecolur" Informational NGO
The project goal is to ensure the implementation of the EITI standards in Syunik, Lori and Gegharkunik marzes and to make representatives of the affected communities engaged in EITI processes.
Improvement of Transparency and Accountability in the Mining Sector and Promotion of EITI
AUA Center for Responsible Mining
The overall objective of the project is to build the capacity of EITI Armenia MSG, CSOs, CYCs and local groups and activists to engage on EITI process, improve their awareness about the EITI principles and standards and general issues connected with ensuring transparency in the mining sector, such as EITI requirements, budget analysis and monitoring, mining industry operations, revenue management laws, contracts, and taxation, etc. The project will aim to boost the capacity of the most active and promising civil society leaders in Armenia to actively participate in EITI processes.
Participatory monitoring for improved and high quality roads in Gyumri
““Compass” research, training and consultancy center” NGO
The project aims to improve the quality of road construction in the city of Gyumri implemented with the support of EBRD provided loan to Armenia through monitoring the quality of road construction and compliance with safety norms during construction works.
Participatory monitoring for quality utility services in Gyumri
““Compass” research, training and consultancy center” NGO
The project goal is to support improvement and transparency of the garbage cleaning and street lighting work in Gyumri, carried out by local government bodies, through participatory monitoring and identification of the existing issues and applying alternative solution by the citizens and civil society organizations.
Promotion of social accountability and participatory monitoring of services provided to the public in Syunik and Vayots Dzor
“Foundation Against the Violation of Law” NGO
The project goal is to increase transparency and accountability of public institutions through participatory monitoring in the scope of inter-community and in-community transportation and provided public services in Syunik, Vayots Dzor marzes.
The monitoring and revealing of corruption risks of the water-supply system renewal project implementation of Kapan town
“Institute of Regional Monitoring” NGO
The project goal is to establish public demand for the improvement of drinking water quality and provided services through implementation of public accountability tools in order to enlarge public involvement in the frames of supply and waste water policies. As a result of the project the corruption risks will be decreased and water supply management will be improved.
Promotion of transparent and accountable implementation of provided services of The Agency of Medical and Social Expertise of Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
"LogoS" Human Rights Defense NGO
The project goal is to improve the transparent and accountable implementation and quality of provided services by the Agency of Medical and Social Expertise of Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia in Shirak, Lori and Aragatsotn marzes.
Related articles
Anti-corruption education series: Integrity leadership
On April 17, Michael Conrad, Phd, Expert from the US conducted a training on integrity leadership as part of anti-corruption education series designed for youth. What is integrity leadership, how to be a competitive leader, what should be the ethical values of the organization, are some of the issues discussed during the training. To note, the series of TIAC anti-corruption trainings are continuous.
Anti-corruption trainings in Vayq and Gyumri
Graduates of TIAC’s second anti-corruption school continue to enhance our efforts to fight corruption. The next team of the graduates held anti-corruption trainings in Vayk and Gyumri, that were attended by about 50 students. Interesting parallels were drawn between media, misinformation and corruption. This short video beautifully sums up the whole process.
Anti-Corruption second school trainings for the youth in marzes
The anticorruption trainings continue to be implemented throughout Armenia! We’re thrilled to inform that this time the graduates of TIAC Anti-Corruption Second School conducted a training designed for the schoolchildren from marzes of Armenia.
TIAC’s anti-corruption series
On March 27, TIAC has organized another educational event aimed at the anti-corruption education of the youth. The training was conducted by the US expert, PhD Michael Conrad. As promised, TIAC’s anti-corruption series will be continuous.
TIAC Anti-Corruption 2nd school graduates conduct trainings
It has been about two months since the graduates of TIAC Anti-Corruption 2nd school have been using the knowledge gained thanks to the school. The teams implement their own anti-corruption awareness-monitoring programs. In this series we have decided to share with you our recent updates about these extremely inspiring youth initiatives.
TIAC’s anti-corruption series
On March 13, TIAC has organized its next event aimed at the anti-corruption education of the youth. This time our guest was Dr. Michael Conrad, an American expert who is a global business management consultant with over 25 years of teaching experience. The participants were introduced to the cultural, social, and psychological foundations that contribute to corrupt behavior. It was especially interesting to hear how trust and values influence people's ethical decisions and behavior.
Training on “Parliamentary Ethics”
TIAC has launched a series of trainings aimed at developing young people's knowledge of corruption, ethics, and leadership skills. Similar trainings leaded by local and international experts will be organized systematically for the TIAC youth network.
Transparency International Anticorruption Center announces launch of second group of admissions for Anticorruption School
The Anticorruption School of Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) aims to equip young people with knowledge on corruption, its types and causes, corruption risks available in political, economic, social and other sectors and their impacts, methods of fighting against corruption, anti-corruption policy in Armenia, international obligations and the process of their implementation. Participants will also obtain knowledge on ways of public participation and oversight, take part in discussions, develop critical and analytical skills.
Results of public opinion household survey on corruption in Armenia have been published
On February 21, Caucasus Research Resource Center – Armenia (CRRC - Armenia) presented the outcomes of the 2019 Public Opinion Household Survey on Corruption in Armenia.
The survey conducted by CRRC-Armenia was commissioned by Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) in the framework of the USAID-funded Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance Project․
Data collected from 1500 adults taking part in the survey referred to the general perception of corruption, its forms and distribution in various sectors, corrupt individual behavior, awareness of anticorruption efforts by the government and NGO’s, etc.
The first phase of “Anti-corruption expertise of draft legal acts” internship program was summed up
Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC), within the framework of “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project, launched a two-month internship program from November 12, 2019 to January 10, 2020. The program aimed to provide young people with the knowledge and toolset related to the sector of public administration as well as the detection of corruption risks in normative legal acts. The program was conducted by trainer Hayk Malkhasyan, who had an extensive experience of lecturing at Russian-Armenian University and American University of Armenia.
TIAC representative conducted a series of trainings on whistleblowing system in marzes
A series of trainings on whistleblowing system was launched in marzes of Armenia from December 12 to 28, 2019 within the framework of “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project with the logistical support of Civic Youth Centers. Specifically, seven regional trainings were conducted on “Whistleblowing rights and responsibilities” by TIAC expert Khachik Harutyunyan for youth and local activists.
On International Anti-corruption Day an expert panel discussion in Armenia focused on Fighting Corruption for Sustainable Development Goals
9 December, 2019, Yerevan
On the occasion of the International Anticorruption Day, Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) organized a panel discussion on Fighting Corruption for Sustainable Development Goals seeking to present and discuss the progress made by Armenia towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 16. The event brought together 115 representatives of the government, international organizations, civil society and the media.
“Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” Presenting the Results of Mining Investigations
In the framework of USAID-supported "Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance" project, TIAC has selected five journalists to conduct a series of investigations to promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
Progress on beneficial ownership transparency in Armenia was presented
On October 29, 2019 Beneficial Ownership Transparency Workshop was held in Yerevan, hosted jointly by Open Government Partnership Secretariat of the Government of Armenia, OpenOwnership and Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project.
Discussion Dedicated to Electing Process of Civil Society Members and Alternative Members to EITI MSG Launched
The first discussion dedicated to the electing process of the civil society members and the alternative members to the EITI MSG was held on 16 July: The members of the civil society to the EITI MSG Sona Ayvazyan, Harutyun Movsisyan, Inga Zarafyan and Arthur Hambardzumyan made opening speeches at the meeting. The role and the aims of the civil society faction in the MSG were presented and information was provided about the first elections.
Discussion on CSO reporting standards and practice
The findings of research on “Civil Society Organizations reporting standards and practice” were presented during a discussion on May 23, 2019. Sona Ayvazyan, Executive Director of Tansparency International Anticorruption Center, Luben Panov, Program Consultant of European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL, Hungary), Tatevik Margaryan, Expert of “Monitoring Progress, Empowering Action” project took part in the discussion. The discussion also brought together representatives of more than thirty leading CSOs, state bodies and international organizations.
Graduates of Anti-Corruption School to implement their own projects
The Anti-Corruption School of Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center (TIAC) ended on May 18. The program was implemented in the frameworks of the Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance project supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 23 young men and women were among the first graduates of the School.
Anti-Corruption School has launched
On April 27, on the occasion of the Day of the Citizen and in the frameworks of the Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance projected implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) with support from US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Anti-Corruption School was launched.
Multi-purpose and Multiple Anti-Corruption Agencies: Considerations for Institutional Design
Drafted by Dr.Valts Kalniņš
This policy brief reviews trends, strengths and weaknesses associated with two models of anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) and principles for effective ACAs with a view to contribute to the debate about the future development of the institutional anti-corruption architecture in the Republic of Armenia.
Issues on models of anticorruption agencies were discussed
On the initiative of Transparency International Anticorruption Center a working discussion was held on March 12, 2019. The discussion brought together Lena Nazaryan, Vice President of RA National Assembly, members of parliament, representatives of RA Government and law enforcement bodies, NGOs and independent experts. Valts Kalnins and Rouslan Riaboshapka, visiting experts of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anticorruption Network (ACN) delivered keynote addresses.
TIAC presents "State Funding of RA Education System: Key Issues"
On June 29, 2018, Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) presented its new report “State Funding of RA Education System: Key Issues.” The study was completed with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of their "Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance" program.
Finding Solutions to the Teghut Mine Tailing Dam Breach
On June 27, 2018, Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC), in advocating for transparency and accountability among Armenia’s mining industry, organized a public discussion entitled "The Teghut Problem: Finding a Solution." Especially urgent in the wake of a breach in the mine’s tailings dump, participants weighed in on the economic, environmental, and social issues related to the project. The event was organized by TIAC within the framework of the USAID-funded Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance program. It brought together about forty representatives of state agencies, businesses, NGOs, media as well as residents from the affected communities.
CYC spring anticorruption camp 2018 launched
A spring anticorruption camp was organized from March 1 to 4, 2018 in Aghveran with the participation of 32 youth from Civic Youth Centers. The participants acquired knowledge on corruption and fighting it and were given opportunities to implement their ideas in practice to achieve legislative and behavioral changes.
“Participatory Monitoring of Public Services and Promoting Social Accountability” beneficiaries of the third set of sub-grant project
As the result of the 3rd call for “Participatory Monitoring of Public Service Delivery and Promoting Social Accountability” project proposals, 6 out of 27 proposals have been selected for funding within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center NGO in 2017. An orientation meeting with TIAC team was held on October 10, 2017.
Subgrantees of the grant project's third set
As the result of the 3rd call for “Participatory Monitoring of Public Service Delivery and Promoting Social Accountability” project proposals, 6 out of 27 proposals have been selected for funding within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center NGO in 2017. An orientation meeting with TIAC team was held on October 10, 2017.
Working discussion on the new law of the Republic of Armenia on Public Organizations
On September 26, 2017 within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project, Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) together with its Hungary based consortium partner European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL), organized a working discussion on the new law of the Republic of Armenia on public organizations.
Entrepreneur activities and volunteering: new provisions and opportunities in RA Law on Public Organizations
Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project, organized a discussion “New Provisions in the Law on Public Organizations of Armenia: Entrepreneurial Activities and Volunteering.” The event brought together over 70 participants from NGOs and international organizations, experts and media.
Training on “Participatory Methods of Public Policy Monitoring”
On June 29-30, 2017, Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) held a training “Participatory Methods of Public Policy Monitoring” in the framework of the program “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance.” Representatives of around two dozen non-governmental organizations interested in matters of transparency and accountability participated in the training, which was conducted by Arshavir Ghukasyan, is an experienced trainer focused on good governance, project management and advocacy.
Retreat for midterm evaluation of “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project
On June 23-24, 2017, an impact mapping and planning workshop was held in Aghveran for USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project’s midterm evaluation and planning its 2018 activity. The project is conducted by Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) in partnership with consortium members - Journalists’ Club “Asparez,” Investigative Journalists NGO, European Center for Non-Commercial Law (Hungary), Civic Development and Partnership Foundation and Basel Institute on Governance (Switzerland) (presently the latter two have ceased their activities).
Report entitled “Best Practices: Study of Armenian NGOs dealing with advocacy”
The Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC)-Armenia Foundation jointly with Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC), within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project, conducted a research in 2015-16 “Best Practices: Study of Armenian NGOs dealing with advocacy.” It aims to reveal the needs of civil society organizations (CSOs) that emphasize advocacy activities as well as to assess the potential of these organizations to raise public awareness and influence public policies.
Presentation of “Corruption Risk Assessment in General Education Sector in Armenia” research
“Corruption Risk Assessment in General Education Sector in Armenia” research was presented and discussed on March 17, 2017. The research was carried out jointly by Transparency International Anticorruption Center and the Institute of Public Policy NGOs within the framework of USAID supported “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” Project.
Presentation and discussion of research on “Assessment of corruption risks in state-guaranteed medical assistance provided free of charge and under privileged conditions”
Research on “Assessment of corruption risks in state-guaranteed medical assistance provided free of charge and under privileged conditions” was presented and discussed in Yerevan on June 6, 2016. The research was conducted by Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) together with Regional Development and Research Center (RDRC) NGO within the framework of USAID funded “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project. The event brought together more than 70 representatives from state institutions, NGOs and international organizations to be introduced with the findings and recommendations of the research.
Presentation of assessment tool for measuring CSO legal environment in Armenia
Eszter Hartay, Legal Advisor of the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law presented assessment tool for measuring CSO legal environment in Armenia. The assessment tool was tested with the participants and joint conclusions were made on favorable legal environment. The assessment tool will be finalized based on the recommendations of the participants.
How to organize effective advocacy
How to change public policy through advocacy? How to formulate a problem to be included in the authorities’ agenda? How to set up goals and involve stakeholders? These and other issues were discussed and presented during an interactive workshop training. The training brought together participants from a score of NGOs, who presented their own experience and challenges on the given issues and learned lessons from the experience of each other and the Ukrainian chapter of Transparency International. The latter was presented by trainer Oleksii Khmara, Public Policy Expert and Executive Director of TI Ukraine.
TIAC's strategic planning meeting with stakeholders
Transparency International Anticorruption Center NGO (TIAC) has launched its 2016-2020 strategic planning process. On February 12, 2016 the first working group meeting was held involving all the stakeholders, with whom TIAC has intensively collaborated during the recent years. The results of TIAC’s 2013-2015 Strategy were summed up during the meeting and the strategic priorities and goals for the upcoming years were outlined for the development of 2016-2020 strategy. The meeting brought together representatives of state structures, international organizations, civil society, partners, TIAC members, journalists.
Training on Communication and Advocacy Campaigns
Within the framework of the USAID supported “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” Project Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) calls for civil society representatives and active citizens interested in governance transparency and accountability to participate in the “Effective Communication and Advocacy Campaigns” training, which will take place on February 22-23, 2016 in Yerevan.The training will be delivered by Oleksii Khmara, Public Policy Expert and Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine. Eligible candidates are requested to fill in the attached application form and send it by email to [email protected] by mentioning the name of the training in the subject line, no later than Wednesday, February 17, 2:00 p.m.
TIAC participated in the second meeting of Anticorruption Council
On December 28, 2015 the second meeting of Anticorruption Council was held in the Government of Armenia. It brought together representatives of political forces, international organizations and civil society, including Varuzhan Hoktanyan, Executive Director and Khachik Harutyunyan, Expert of Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC). Khachik Harutyunyan made a presentation on “The Private Sector and Anticorruption Struggle” report which was taken into consideration during the meeting. He presented the situation in Armenia according to international studies and research, the recorded problems and positive trends, as well as certain opinions in conceptual level both in the first stage of business-state where business itself acts as an initiating party, and business-state second level where the state itself implements the obligations it assumed regerding the problem.
Workshop “On enabling legal environment for CSOs and monitoring tools”
A workshop for CSOs was held on June 2, 2015 within the framework of USAID supported "Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance" project. The event brought together representatives of 25 CSOs. The objectives of the workshop were to highlight the principles and standards of enabling environment for CSOs; to discuss good practices and challenges on CSO regulation in Armenia; to share comparative practices on monitoring and assessment tools for measuring CSO legal environment; to discuss what would be the appropriate monitoring tool for Armenian CSOs. The workshop was organized by Civic Development and Partnership Foundation (CDPF) and European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) and was conducted by Eszter Markus, Managing Director and Eszter Hartay, Legal Advisor of ECNL.
The training session by Basel Institute on Governance came to an end
On May 7-8 representatives of 23 civil society organizations from Armenia’s Marzes (provinces) and capital Yerevan underwent “Power and Influence Analysis: A corruption risk assessment methodology” training. Within the framework of “Engaged citizenry for responsible governance” project, funded by USAID and implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center, the two-day training was provided by trainees - Claudia Baez Camargo, Head of Governance Research and Franziska Stahl, Research Fellow of Basel Institute on Governance (BIG, Switzerland).
A series of trainings by Basel Institute was launched
Within the framework of “Engaged citizenry for responsible governance” project funded by USAID and implemented by Transparency International Anticorruption Center, Basel Institute on Governance (BIG, Switzerland) provides series of trainings for representatives of civil society organizations (CSO) and active citizens interested in governance transparency and accountability. Three-day training “Social accountability and participatory monitoring methodologies” was launched on May 4, 2015. It brought together representatives of 23 CSOs who underwent the training. It includes 2 modules: training on social accountability strategies and contextualization and participatory monitoring techniques. The training is conducted by BIG trainees - Claudia Baez Camargo, Head of Governance Research and Franziska Stahl, Research Fellow.
“Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project now on Facebook
Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) Public Organization in a consortium with Investigative Journalists NGO, Journalists’ Club “Asparez”, Civic Development and Partnership Foundation (CDPF), Basel Institute on Governance (BIG, Switzerland) and the European Center For Non-for-Profit Law (ECNL, Hungary) implements USAID supported “Engaged Citizenry for Responsible Governance” project. The project goal is to increase civic engagement in and oversight of reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability of government actions and policies. The project has its Facebook page, which informs of project related activities.
Call for participation in training
Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) Public Organization in a consortium with Investigative Journalists NGO, Journalists’ Club “Asparez”, Civic Development and Partnership Foundation (CDPF), Basel Institute on Governance (BIG, Switzerland) and the European Center for Non-for-profit Law (ECNL, Hungary) implements USAID supported “Engaged citizenry for responsible governance” Project. The goal of the Project is to increase civic engagement in and oversight of reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability of government actions and policies. Within the framework of the project Transparency International Anticorruption Center Public Organization and Basel Institute on Governance call for civil society representatives and active citizens interested in governance transparency and accountability to participate in trainings on the following themes:
TIAC presented comments on draft law on public organizations
Public discussion on the draft Law of the Republic of Armenia on Public Organizations was organized and held in Yerevan on April 8, 2015 within the framework of EU funded Support to Democratic Governance in Armenia project, implemented by the British Council in cooperation with its implementing partners CDPF, Grant Thornton and Thomson Foundation. Sona Ayvazyan, Deputy Director of Transparency International Anticorruption Center (TIAC) took part in the discussion and presented TIAC comments on the draft law. Meanwhile Sona Ayvazyan presented comments on the draft law by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law ((ECNL, Hungary), which is TIAC’s consortium partner within the framework of USAID funded “Promoting Transparency and Accountability through Advanced Civil Society Participation” project.
