Expert Analyses on the Improvement of the Institution of Gifts of Persons holding Public Positions and Public Servants

The Armenian Lawyers’ Association in partnership with the CSO Anti-Corruption Coalition of Armenia is implementing based on the Open Government Partnership grant agreement the “Multi-Faceted OGP Action: Open Justice & Anti-Corruption Commitments” Program (7. Register of gifts related to the exercise of official duties of persons holding public positions and of public servants and 9. “eCourt-statistics” statistical analysis tool).

Within the framework of the project, among others, four focus group discussions (FGDs) on the commitment “Register of gifts related to the exercise of official duties of persons holding public positions and of public servants” of the Action Plan of Open Government Partnership Initiative of the Republic of Armenia for 2022-2024, were held with the participation of the representatives of public, private and CSO sectors. FGDs were aimed to raise and collect sectoral issues and gaps. By combining/comparing the results of the FGD with the analyses of international experience and standards, national legislation and practice, the following expert analyses aimed at improving the institution of gifts related to the exercise of official duties of persons holding public positions and of public servants were developed:

1. Expert analysis of international experience, legislation and practice of the definition of the body responsible for maintaining the ban on accepting prohibited gifts and prohibition of accepting gifts by persons holding public positions and public servants.
2. Expert analysis of international experience, legislation and practice regarding the delivery of gifts and the register of gifts related to the exercise of official duties of persons holding public positions and of public servants.

Prior to publishing the analyses, their drafts were submitted to the consideration of the relevant bodies, and based on the conclusions received, they were revised and then published.

Also please be informed that the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia and the Corruption Prevention Commission will use these analytical works while implementing actions aimed at improving the institution of gifts of the government officials and employees, provided for by the new anti-corruption strategy.