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Gegharkunik AAC implemented a reform related to city construction.
Some months ago AAC observed number of communities of the region and figured out that citizens and business community are not informed about construction activities taking place in their communities. In particular, there is a lack of information...
Gegharkunik’s Advocacy and Assistance Center (AAC) organized a seminar on the “Rights and Responsibilities of Drivers” in coordination with “Achilles” Center of Defense of Drivers Rights NGO.
___________________________________In 8-th of February 2011 was the presentation of business plans within the framework of micro franchising in the Tavush Marz.
___________________________________Working actively with reforms, Gegharkunik AAC implemented one more procedural reform in the field of heritage adoption.
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In February 17 GCCI organized a conference in frames of SESDRA project with participation of Gandzak, Akunq, Tsovazard, Chkalovka and Zovaber “Community Active Group” members and community mayors, GCCI and Caritas administration.
AAC GEGHARKUNIK
Gegharkunik Advocacy and Assistance Center
Gegharkunik Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been operating the Advocacy and Assistance Center (AAC) since April 2009.
What is an AAC?
With 11 centers established in each region and Yerevan, Advocacy and Assistance Centers (known as Shpaks for its acronym in Armenian) operate as citizen complaint offices -run by NGOs- where victims of corruption can walk-in or call-in to receive free legal advice and assistance.
The establishment and operation of Advocacy and Assistance Centers is supported by MAAC (Mobilizing Action Against Corruption) Activity, which is a component of the U.S. development assistance program to the Republic of Armenia. The program is implemented by Casals and Associates Inc.
Services provided by AACs:
- Free legal consultation and advocacy
- Citizens may seek their help with a simple phone call to the free hotline, in-person or online at AACs’ website. Once a complaint is filed, AAC legal experts assist the beneficiary. Their assistance includes immediate consultations with concerned government bodies, making necessary documents, referring cases to public prosecutors, representing citizens in court.
- AAC provides citizens with channels for reporting corruption and directing complaints to governmental agencies.
- AAC identifies corrupt activities in governmental institutions, based on first-person reports of victimization.
Gegharkunik AAC has had 350 visitors and represented 8 citizens in Court since its opening date.
What else does the AAC do?
- Identifies and implements procedural and system reforms:
- AAC works actively in identifying areas prone to corruption and promote the adoption of anti-corruption reforms in coordination with government organizations, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
- Establishes working relationships with government officials to stimulate corrective actions and system-level reforms to reduce corruption.
The implemented reforms of AAC include: installation of traffic signs, installed board about lawful state payments in Civic Registration office (monitored all Civic Registration offices through creating reform group by the members of regional NGOs), organizing a meeting between businessmen and the Head of the regional Tax Office, installation of informational boards at local government offices etc.
- Conducts public education and awareness activities
- Uses information and data assembled as a foundation for development of advocacy campaigns to create greater involvement of youth and adults in the fight against corruption.
- Conducted essay contest among 9-11th form students of Gegharkunik region: “Corruption in My Environment: What can I do?” Awarded the winners of the contest on International Anticorruption Day.
- Conducts public education and awareness activities to advance its legal assistance objectives (e.g. increasing the number of users) and advocacy efforts (e.g. promoting the adoption of anti-corruption reforms).
- Conducts seminars and community meetings to educate the inhabitants and students about corruption and specific legislation.
Contacts
Boshnaghyan 1/1, Gavar, Gegharkunik region, Armenia, 1201
Free Hot Line: 0 8000 11 16