About foica

About Foica

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General Information
Success Stories
Strategies and Policies
Annual Reports
Joun Our Team
Our Partners
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General Information
Success Stories
Strategies and Policies
Annual Reports
Joun Our Team
Our Partners
Contact Us
Donation

Empowering Transparency, Accountability, and Civic Engagement Since 2001

Our Mission

The Freedom of Information Center of Armenia (FOICA) was established by journalists and lawyers to champion the right to information, foster government transparency, and promote civic participation. Since its inception on July 1, 2001, FOICA has been at the forefront of integrity and good governance reforms in Armenia, empowering citizens and ensuring accountability.

Key Achievements

  • Legislative Impact: Instrumental in drafting and passing Armenia’s Freedom of Information Law (2003) and Personal Data Protection Law (2015).
  • Capacity Building: Trained over 6,900 public officials, civil servants, and community leaders in transparency, good governance, and data protection.
  • Strategic Litigation: Successfully pursued 75 court cases, setting precedents to protect information access rights.
  • Innovative Tools: Developed e-governance platforms and FOI Index ratings to evaluate government transparency.
  • Global Advocacy: Active member of the International Freedom of Information Advocates Network and contributor to Open Government Partnership initiatives.

 

Strategic Focus Areas (2024-2025)

  1. Advancing Access to Information: Implement self-assessment tools for government entities to strengthen transparency.
  2. Strategic Communication: Build data-driven, citizen-centered communication systems in collaboration with USAID.
  3. Fighting Disinformation: Develop tools and policies to counter misinformation and improve media literacy.
  4. Protecting Personal Data: Raise awareness and establish best practices for data protection across sectors.
  5. Anti-Corruption Initiatives: Leverage FOI to enhance transparency in procurement, campaign financing, and public governance.
  6. Beneficial Ownership Transparency: Promote reforms for public registries, fostering trust and reducing corruption.

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS

Access to Information and Government Transparency

  • Facilitated the establishment of FOI officers across central and local government bodies.
  • Conducted annual FOI Award Ceremonies since 2003 to recognize transparency champions.
  • Delivered specialized training sessions for over 4,000 officials on topics such as fact-checking and information security.

 

Strategic Communication Initiatives

  • Partnered with USAID to create sustainable, inter-agency communication frameworks.
  • Supported the judiciary in developing external and internal communication strategies.

 

Combating Disinformation

  • Established fact-checking hubs and media literacy programs in educational institutions.
  • Developed the 2024-2026 National Action Plan to counter disinformation through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

 

Personal Data Protection

  • Conducted baseline assessments and developed guidelines for local governments to improve data security.
  • Represented Armenia in landmark cases at the European Court of Human Rights.

 

Open Government Partnership (OGP)

  • Played a pivotal role in drafting and implementing Armenia’s OGP Action Plans.
  • Launched a Civil Society Forum to foster dialogue between the government and NGOs.

 

Anti-Corruption and Beneficial Ownership Transparency

  • Advocated for public registries revealing company ownership to combat corruption.
  • Conducted workshops and created accessible materials to educate stakeholders on beneficial ownership reforms.

 

Impact in Numbers

  • 8000+ Consultations: Legal advice provided to citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations.
  • 6914 Trained Participants: Public servants, journalists, and community leaders equipped with FOI expertise.
  • 1000+ Information Requests Annually: Monitoring government agencies to ensure compliance with FOI laws.

 

Our Vision for the Future

 

FOICA is committed to creating a society where transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry drive sustainable development. Through partnerships, innovative solutions, and relentless advocacy, we aim to set new standards in governance and civic engagement in Armenia and beyond.

Join us in championing the right to information and shaping a more transparent world.

FOICA is a member of:

FOICA's Team

Shushan Doydoyan

President

Gevorg Hayrapetyan

Member of FOICA's board

Liana Doydoyan

Co-Founder, Board member Projects Coordinator / Communication specialist

Mane Madoyan

Project Coordinator

Harutyun Tsatryan

FOICA Researcher

Marine Mkrtchyan

Program Assistant

FOICA Statute

“Freedom of Information Center” is a non-governmental organization that operates under the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, international agreements of the Republic of Armenia, current legislation, and this charter. The organization operates throughout the territory of the Republic of Armenia and in foreign countries, following the legislation of those countries. The organization does not pursue political goals and does not belong to any political party.

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Marine Mkrtchyan

Program Assistant

Marine Mkrtchyan has been working at the Freedom of Information Center since July 2024 as a program assistant.

In 20Marine Mkrtchyan has been working at the Freedom of Information Center since July 2024 as a program assistant.23, she graduated from the Faculty of Journalism, Yerevan State University, and in 2024, she completed the “TV Journalism” master’s program at the same faculty. From 2021 to 2024, she headed the Student Scientific Society (SSS) of the Faculty of Journalism at YSU. Since September 2023, she has been presiding over the Information Affairs Committee of YSU SSS. In 2024, she was awarded the title of the “Best Student of YSU” for her outstanding contribution to education and student life.

During her studies, she worked as a journalist in the Marketing Department at YSU. Additionally, worked as a correspondent in various media outlets.

Gevorg Hayrapetyan

Member of FOICA's board

Gevorg Hayrapetyan was the lawyer of the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia since 2005. In 2007 Gevorg Hayrapetyan graduated the study in the Law Faculty of Yerevan State University, and in 2006 he graduated the study in Legal Clinic of the Law Faculty of YSU. The theme of his final work was “Freedom of Information in the Republic of Armenia”. In 2015 he got masters degree. The theme of his master thesis was “The new challenges of Freedom of Information”. He has passed trainings in Short-term Courses on Freedom of Information in Ukraine (2005, Kiev) and in the Check Republic (2006, Prague). Gevorg Hayrapetyan is a FOI expert.

Gevorg Hayrapetyan is a author of 9 books on FOI – “Access to Information Right. Collection of Court Cases” ((co-author – Shushan Doydoyan, Yerevan, 2006), “Public elections” (co-author – Marine Hakobyan, Yerevan, 2007), “Access to Information Right. Collection of Court Cases” Volume 2 (co-author – Shushan Doydoyan, Yerevan, 2010), “The Legal regulation of the right to freedom of information in the Republic of Armenia: Commentaries” (co-author – Shushan Doydoyan, Karapet Harutyunyan, Yerevan, 2010), “Transparent Elections. How to Receive Information during Electoral Processes” (co-author – Mrs. Marine Hakobyan, Yerevan, 2012), “How to Cover Legal Matters. Guide for Journalists” (co-authors – Mrs. Sona Truzyan, Mr. Karapet Harutyunyan, Yerevan, 2012), “Access Zone or e-Armenia” (co-authored publication, the authored section “Code of Ethics of Online Journalist”, Yerevan, 2012), “Access to Information Right. Collection of Court Cases” Volume 3 (co-author – Mrs. Shushan Doydoyan, Yerevan, 2013), “The best in the Net” online journalist’s guidebook (co-authored publication, the authored section “Copyright protection for the Armenian media”, Yerevan, 2013). He also has published more than 30 articles and analyzes on FOI and transparency of state bodies, access to official documents, on insult and defamation.

Harutyun Tsatryan

FOICA Researcher

Harutyun Tsatryan is media and communication researcher and fact-checking specialist working in the field of media and communication more than 10 years. Previously, he received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism and political science. At present, H. Tsatryan has a Ph.D in Media Studies.

Harutyun Tsatryan is an external assessor at the International fact checking network (IFCN) of the Poynter Institute and European fact checking standards network (EFCSN). H. Tsatryan is an Advisory board member of the European Youth Press, a network of youth media makers and organisations in Europe and beyond the EU borders. Since October 2021, he has been delivering lectures on “News verification and Fact checking” at Wayne State University.

H. Tsatryan joined the FOICA since 2020 and delivered desk research and training courses on different topics including BOT, fact checking, media literacy and strategic communications.

Mane Madoyan

Project Coordinator

Mane Madoyan has been working at the Freedom of Information Center since October 2018 as the Subgrant Coordinator of the Program for Access to Information and Investigative Journalism for the Most Informed Citizens.

FOICA member since 2011. She used to work for the Organization in the past too: 2013-2014 she was the FOICA’s educational program coordinator. In 2009 she graduated from YSU Faculty of Journalism (MA), she is a Ph.D. student of the same department now. From the years of study, she has been working as a communication specialist.

2005-2011 She has worked as a Public Relations Officer at Yerevan State University, since 2011 at the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) then with the lead of FPWC she moved to Yerevan Zoo as a Press Officer (until May 2016).

From September 2017 to June 2018, she worked as a Communications Specialist at the RA Government’s Information and Analytics Center, and from June 2018 – at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, as Press Secretary of minister Mane Tandilyan and the head of the Ministry’s PR Division (until 2018, October). Lecturer at YSU, Faculty of Journalism. During this time, she has been actively cooperating with the education and social NGOs as a training modules developer and communication expert.

Liana Doydoyan

Co-Founder, Board member Projects Coordinator / Communication specialist

Ms. Liana Doydoyan is a co-Founder and Board member of the “Freedom of Information Center” NGO since 2001. She has an extensive experience in Communication management and institutional development that supports and advance the strategic goals of the project and organization. Ms Doydoyan has managed more than 35 projects with the primary function of capacity building, public participation and advocacy, public awareness-raising campaigns, expertise and training, and media content development. 

Her professional experience includes the following core activities:

  • Strengthen CSO and government dialogue on public policy to enhance CSOs’ ability to influence GOAMlegislation and monitor policy implementation;
  • Plan and implement communication strategy and government relations plan with clearly articulated objectives,timelines, and outputs;
  • Design and manage projects on access to information, anti-corruption mechanisms, open governance, andempowering CSOs, media;
  • Provide Advocacy and consultation on ATI, beneficial ownership transparency to CSOs, journalists and legalpersons;
  • Organize and implement project events, public debates, press conferences, and awareness-raising campaigns,including work with social media, etc.


Ms. Liana Doydoyan is one of the pioneers in promoting the Open Government Partnership Initiative processes in Armenia. In particular, as an active member of the OGP Armenia multi-stakeholder working group, she initiated and implemented tens of projects to increase civic engagement in and oversight of reforms aimed at improving the transparency and accountability of government actions and policies. 

Her activities also include developing and conducting training courses for CSOs on access to information, anti-corruption, OGP, media literacy, and civic engagement tools. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Journalism. Ms. Doydoyan is a member of many local and international journalism associations and organizations. Certificated in Project management, Access to Information, and To

Shushan Doydoyan

President

Ms. Shushan Doydoyan is the President of the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia since 2001 and former head of the Personal Data Protection Agency of Armenia in 2015–2017. She has extensive experience in good governance, personal data protection, freedom of information and media with more than 26 years’ experience within government and non-profit sectors.

Ms. Doydoyan was the first head of the Personal Data Protection Agency of Armenia in 2015 – 2017 promoting its establishment and strategic development. Under her leadership, major directions of strategic development of the agency were accomplished, public awareness on data protection both in private and state sectors was raised, a soft legal framework was established in major strategic areas of data protection, and advanced international cooperation was formed with DP bodies in the European Union countries and professional structures.

In June 2015 at the Universal Rights Awards Ceremony Ms. Doydoyan was awarded with the Freedom Defender Award in recognition of her outstanding efforts pursuing freedom of information, transparency and accountability in public decision-making.

Ms. Doydoyan has a PhD degree since 2001. She has law and journalism background. Her extensive experience as a professor covers Media Ethics, Media Law topics for the journalism students at Yerevan State University since 1997.

She is the country representative of the Reporters Without Borders international organization since 2003. In 2004-2006 and 2010-2014 Shushan Doydoyan was a Steering Committee member of the FOI Advocates Network. She was also one of the founder members of the Access Info Europe. Ms. Doydoyan has provided expert services and trainings in the sphere of FOI and open government partnership with the support of OSCE, USAID, UNDP and GIZ.

Ms. Doydoyan is the designated author of www.e-request.am, an e-system of the RA Government for submission of applications and requests to the Government. In 2017 her idea was recognized by UNDP as one of the best three innovative ideas of public officials and her innovative idea received implementation support and recognition.

Ms. Doydoyan provides expert services, in depth analysis and trainings in the sphere of freedom of iinformation, personal data protection, strategic communication, media literacy for international organizations, such as OSCE, CoE, USAID, UNDP, World Bank, British Embassy, MSI, IRI and GIZ.

She is an author of more than 64 scientific articles and about 20 books, monographs and textbooks.

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