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Armenian NGO News in Brief - 03/10/2004

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  • Armenian NGO News in Brief - 03/10/2004

    ARMENIAN NGO NEWS IN BRIEF
    Volume 2, No. 41
    January-February, 2004


    IN THIS ISSUE:

    *** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES

    *** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION
    FOR CITIZENS

    *** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM

    *** LET'S HELP DEBED RIVER

    *** WORKING TOGETHER - BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

    *** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

    *** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR

    *** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

    *** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED


    *** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES

    The Open Medical Club NGO's Raising the Population's Awareness on the Right
    to Free Medical Services project is coming to its end. As a result of a
    preliminary survey, only ten per cent of the population is informed about
    their right to free medical services. The 5,000 booklets published contained
    basic information on free medical services. Educational activities were
    carried out through two video films produced by the NGO and aired by Yerevan
    TV Channel, as well as discussions held with NGO representatives. Upon
    completion of the project, another survey will be conducted, which will form
    the basis for a new awareness-raising project on 2004 decrees. The project
    is being implemented through funding support received from World Learning
    Organization through USAID.

    Contact:
    Zaruhi Janibekyan
    Open Medical Club NGO
    60 Abovyan St.; Children's University Hospital #1
    Tel.: (374-1) 54-44-17; 54-44-18
    E-mail: [email protected]

    *** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION
    FOR CITIZENS

    The final roundtable of the above mentioned project by the Anna National
    Association of Consumers and Consumers Rights Protection Union NGOs was held
    on January 29, 2004. Project staff presented to representatives of NGOs,
    state structures, international organizations and Mass Media a summary of
    the activities they implemented: survey to reveal the population's awareness
    of the law; booklets, brochures and Consumer newsletter published; radio
    and TV programs aired; and seminars and consultancies provided. Within the
    framework of the subproject, the Union of Consumer Rights Protection
    developed and published Comments on Articles on the ROA Law on Consumers
    Rights Protection, encompassing not only the general provisions of the Law,
    but also issues related to protection of consumers rights during service
    provision, and state and social protection of consumers rights. The Union
    developed and launched their website - http://www.consumer.am--where the
    electronic version of the book is available, along with a number of other
    legal acts related to the issue. The project was implemented with funding
    support received from Eurasia Foundation through USAID.

    Contacts:
    Melita Hakobyan
    Anna National Association of Consumers NGO
    23 David Anhaght St., 3rd Floor
    Tel.: (374-1) 24-92-04

    Abgar Yeghoyan
    Consumer Rights Protection Union NGO
    10 Hanrapetutian St.
    Tel.: (374-1) 46-08-24; 56-37-73
    E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
    Website: http://www.consumer.am


    *** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM
    This forum was organized by the International Council on Social Welfare
    (ICSW) and Mission Armenia NGO from January 15-17, 2004 in Yerevan.
    Representatives of more than 50 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from
    Black Sea Economic Cooperation nine member states (Armenia, Azerbaijan,
    Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation and
    Ukraine), ROA Ministries (Foreign Affairs, Social Security and Healthcare)
    and international organizations participated in the event. The Black Sea
    Regional Civil Society Forum anticipates establishing collaboration among
    the regional CSOs and advocating to the BSEC that its mandate be expanded to
    include social welfare issues. During the plenary sessions, the attention of
    the Forum participants was drawn to problems of sustainable development,
    poverty reduction, healthcare, human rights, global population aging,
    migration, and more. Participants discussed the social priorities of the
    region, which served as bases for a Draft Policy Paper. In this paper,
    participants presented the ways and mechanisms of anticipated BSEC-CSO
    collaboration to solve regional social problems. The Draft Paper will be
    further developed during the coming two months before submission to the BSEC
    General Assembly in April 2004. Another major result of the Forum was the
    creation of the CSO Network. Headed by a Coordination Council, it has focal
    points in all participating countries. Mission Armenia NGO has undertaken
    the responsibilities of the Network Secretariat. The participants also
    selected a Lobbying Team which will undertake necessary activities to
    establish BSEC-CSO collaboration.
    Contact: Hripsime Kirakossyan
    Mission Armenia NGO
    42 Garegin Nzhdeh St.
    Tel.: (374 1) 44-47-92; 44-47-93; 44-47-61; 44-47-32
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website http://www.mission.am


    *** LET'S HELP DEBED RIVER

    On January 13, 2004, the Vanadzor based Trichk (Flight) NGO organized a
    discussion within the framework of Appeal for Consciousness project.
    Leading specialists from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of
    the Lori Regional Governor's Office and the Center for Monitoring Hygiene
    Epidemiology, pedagogues-biologists and representatives of NGOs dealing with
    environmental issues participated in the discussion. They presented
    suggestions related to environmental education, tree planting, improving
    utilities and fighting against illegal utilization of forest land
    contributing to landslides. Participants expressed their concerns about the
    increasing levels of ammonium in the Debed River, as a result of which, many
    fish have died.

    Contact: Hovhanness Nikoghosyan
    Trichk (Flight) NGO
    Tel.: (374-51) 4-49-28; 2-16-75; 4-46-26
    E-mail: [email protected]


    *** WORKING TOGETHER - BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

    Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe, in cooperation with the All
    Armenian Women's Union and the Armenian Committee of Helsinki Citizens
    Assembly NGOs, together are implementing the Working Together-Building
    Community Connections project in Armenia. The goal of the project is to
    promote dialogue between local authorities and the community, increase
    community involvement in solving local problems and explore ways of
    cooperation. Within the project framework, in January 2004, forums were held
    in Yerevan's Nor Nork and Arabkir communities with representatives of local
    self-governing bodies (LSGB), mass media, schools, scientific and research
    institutes and community members participating. During the forums entitled
    Do We Contribute to the Establishment of Dialogue between LSGB and Society?
    and Could We Jointly Improve our Community?, participants analyzed barriers
    of cooperation between LSGB and society and suggested ways of overcoming
    those obstacles. During the forum, recommendations were made. To implement
    them, action plans were developed and initiative groups formed. Similar
    forums are planned to be held in eight towns of Armenia. Civic Initiatives
    newsletter will also be published and seminars on the Promoting Civic
    Initiatives will be organized. The project is being implemented with
    financial assistance from the US Department of State Bureau of Educational
    and Cultural Affairs.

    Contact:
    Natalia Martirossyan
    All Armenian Women's Union
    Tel.: (374-1) 52-09-74
    E-mail: [email protected]


    *** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

    On February 3, 2004, six local NGOs presented their projects implemented
    within the framework of Trans-boundary Grants Programme of the Regional
    Environmental Center (REC.) Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and
    Cooperation, the projects were designed to solve regional environmental
    problems with the cooperation of NGOs. Brief descriptions of the projects
    are presented below:


    ž Tapan Eco-Club and its partners have developed an explanatory dictionary
    of major ecological terms in Azeri, Armenian, English, Georgian and Russian
    languages. The dictionary was distributed to interested NGOs and government
    bodies and can be accessed at the website www.rec-caucasus.org.

    ž Center of Bird Lovers and its Georgian partner studied the quantity and
    seasonal composition of wetland biotypes and the ornithological fauna of
    Armenia and Georgia. They developed a list of rare and endangered biotopes,
    short and long-term plans for the protection of birds and recommendations
    for creating protected areas. All of these materials were submitted to the
    Ministries of Ecology in Armenia and Georgia. In addition, the NGOs
    conducted ecological education activities among citizens of all ages.

    The Association for Human Sustainable Development, with its Azeri and
    Georgian partners, identified problems within the sustainable development
    framework in two towns in each of the three republics. Solutions were
    suggested to the local authorities and the NGOsoffered specific guidelines
    for adopting Local Agenda-21 in each town studied.

    ž Union of Consumers Rights Protection and its partners conducted
    preliminary monitoring of selected foods in each country to reveal
    potentially dangerous foods. They then carried out laboratory testing of
    foods, and publicized the results in newspapers, and on radio and TV
    programs. The NGOs also prepared a comparative analysis of laws relating to
    food security in the three countries and developed recommendations to
    harmonize this legislation in each country. These recommendations were
    introduced to relevant state structures.

    ž Armenian School and its partners developed a CD and the website
    www.freewebs.com/caucasus, which introduces environmental problems of the
    South Caucasus countries through stories, animations, games and quizzes. The
    CD, available in Armenian, Azeri, English and Georgian, was distributed
    among schoolchildren and environmental NGOs.

    ž Greens Union of Armenia and its partners studied international legislation
    and standards related to pipeline construction. They assessed the current
    and anticipated impact on the ecological situation along the planned
    Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Erzrum pipeline routes. Their reports were
    disseminated among NGOs and society, thereby bringing them into the Caucasus
    Network of Public Observers.

    REC Caucasus is currently developing a publication which will highlight
    success stories. When completed, this will be available for all interested.

    Contact:
    Hovhanness Ghazaryan
    REC Caucasus Information Point, Armenia
    1 Charents St., 2nd floor
    Tel.: (374-1) 57-47-43
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: http://www.rec-caucasus.org


    *** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR

    Lori Regional Office of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems
    (IFES) organized Interests Protection seminar in Vanadzor on February 4-6,
    2004. The seminar had two objectives: 1) transfer theoretical knowledge and
    practical skills to participants and 2) form groups which would actually
    carry out interests protection activities. Representatives of various
    Vanadzor based NGOs and universities, as well as individuals concerned with
    the issues of accessibility of information and freedom of speech in
    communities participated in the seminar. During the training, some
    participants decided to direct their activities towards contributing to the
    provision of transparency and accessibility of information in condominiums.
    Others chose to form a youth club/board, which will attempt to organize the
    leisure time of young people and act as a link between the youth and local
    self governing bodies, thus providing an opportunity for young people to
    participate in decision making processes. The groups developed action plans.
    The initiative groups began their activities on February 14. Preliminary
    meetings have already been held and timetables set.

    Those interested in the activities of the initiative groups or wishing to
    get involved, may contact Lori Regional Office of the International
    Foundation for Education Systems (IFES) at telephone number (374-51) 4-29-68
    or by e-mail at [email protected].


    *** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

    On February 11-12, 2004, the issue of legislative regulation of volunteer
    activities was discussed in Tsakhkadzor. World Learning NGO Strengthening
    Program and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center jointly organized the
    workshop, with USAID support. The event brought together lawyers,
    professionals from various backgrounds and NGOs. The workshop accurately
    reflected the situation with Volunteerism in Armenia, both in the sense of
    attitudes by government and public need. During the discussions, NGOs raised
    the problems they face in this field, especially related to tax and social
    welfare issues. The Draft Law on Volunteers and Volunteer Activities also
    was discussed in detail. All participants emphasized the need for legal
    regulation and suggestions were made regarding content and technical
    structure. At the end of the second working day, participants decided to
    form a working group of lawyers and NGOs, who will further develop the draft
    legislation. Once completed, the draft will be presented to such interested
    structures as ROA Ministry of Justice, the State Fund for Social Welfare, as
    well as to a wider public. Future actions will then be defined.

    Contacts:
    Yan Karpovich
    World Learning NSP
    24 Moskovian St., #1
    Tel.: (374-1) 58-26-20, 52-08-51, 54-35-76
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Internet: http://www.worldlearning.am

    AAA NGO Training and Resource Center
    39 Koghbatsi St.
    Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Internet: http://www.ngoc.am


    *** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED

    The Vanadzor based Lusastgh NGO is implementing their White Stick project to
    educate on the need for protecting the rights of the blind. Designed to
    contribute to the betterment of social conditions of the blind, the project
    will reveal needs of beneficiaries and suggestions on solving their
    problems. Within the framework of the project, events have been organized to
    disseminate information and highlight problems faced by the blind. One of
    these events was the February 24 roundtable devoted to the discussion of the
    Annual Program on Social Protection of the Disabled, with a particular focus
    on issues of the blind.

    As prescribed by Article 5 of the ROA Law on the Disabled, the Government is
    authorized to include an Annual Program on Social Protection of the
    Disabled. The programs may include activities directed at social and legal
    protection of the disabled and particularly ensuring education and
    requalification of the blind. The discussion highlighted a number of
    suggestions in this regard.

    Contact:
    Nune Pepanyan
    Lusastgh NGO
    Tel.: (374-51) 4-29-14
    E-mail: [email protected]

    __________________________________________________ ________________________

    Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource
    Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for
    electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Primary funding for the
    NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by
    the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Individual
    NGOs are welcome to submit information for publication to the NGOC. The NGO
    Center is not responsible for the clarity of information provided by
    individual NGOs.


    Dear Readers,

    The not-for-profit, non-governmental sector of Armenia is rich with diverse
    civic initiatives and activities. This electronic publication, though far
    from covering all activities of the sector per any given period of time, is
    intended to contribute to raising awareness, both inside and outside
    Armenia, of the activities of Armenian not-for-profit, non-governmental
    organizations.

    Your comments and feedback about this electronic publication are greatly
    appreciated.


    Thank you.
    NGOC staff.

    Contact Information:

    In Armenia:Armenian Assembly of AmericaNGO Training and Resource Center39
    Yeznik Koghbatsi St.,Yerevan 375010Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13;
    53-92-04Fax: (374-1) 54-40-15E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.ngoc.am
    In the United States:Armenian Assembly of AmericaNGO Training and Resource
    Center122 C Street NW, Suite 350Washington, DC 20001 USATel: (202)
    393-3434Fax: (202) 638-4904E-mail: [email protected]:
    http://www.aaainc.org
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