"GOLDEN KEY AND RUSTY LOCK" FOI AWARD CEREMONY
Since 2003 after the adoption of the Armenian FOI law the FOICA jointly with its partner NGOs, has initiated the FOI Annual Award Ceremony which become an important awareness-raising campaign tool and a stimulus for developing good access to information practices by public bodies.
The Golden Keys Awards are awarded as a symbol of openness and transparency, and the Rusty Lock Awards are awarded as a symbol of secrecy.
The Positive awards are:
- Award for the most transparent institution;
- Award for the best FOI Reformer;
- Award for the institution which has best implemented Open Government Partnership Commitments;
- Award for the best official website in terms of access to information;
- Award for NGO, which has contributed to the exercising of the right of access to information;
- Award for the journalist/media outlet most actively covering FOI issues;
- Award for the media outlet for most actively using FOI Law;
- Award for the most consistent human rights advocate of the right of access to information.
The Negative awards are:
- Negative award for a state institution, that does not fulfill its obligations in the FOI field.
- Negative award for a state institution, which is the author of the most ridiculous official answer.
The nominees are selected by an Independent Jury represented by local and international organizations’ members, journalists, and scientists in the field. The Jury sums up the results of the monitoring conducted by the FOICA and their own experience. Another source for unbiased decision-making is the monthly Black list of those officials and institutions that infringed people’s right to access information (quarterly composed by the FOI Center).
In 2010, FOICA produced a thirty-minute documentary on the Right to Know Day. The movie presents the history of the Right to Know Day ceremonies in Armenia and the positive effects of the advocacy for the right access to information.
Criteria
The winners of the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” FOI Award Ceremony are selected by an Independent Jury represented by local and international organizations’ members, journalists, and scientists in the field. The Positive Awards Golden Key are awarded as a symbol of openness and transparency, and the Negative Awards Rusty lock are awarded as a symbol of secrecy. The Selection criteria are:
Positive Award Golden Key
The Most Transparent State Institution
A) Ensuring freedom of information through properly proceeding information requests.
- In that body does every person, without any discrimination, have access to the right to be informed?
- In that body are the written information requests proceeded in the deadlines provided by the law (5 days and 30 days)? If the answer is being delayed is the enquirer informed about the times and reasons for the delay?
- Are the oral information requests answered immediately or as soon as possible?
- When an information request is denied or if the body does not possess the information, does it inform the requester about the basis of the denial or about the body that does possess the information?
- Is the requester provided with reliable and complete information?
- When receiving information requests is the enquirer required to clarify why he needs that information?
- Justifying denials. When denying a request does that body justify the denial by referring in a written form to the statutory provision, according to which the information request is denied?
- Excluding any discrimination. In that body do different requests receive equal approaches (journalists, citizens, NGOs, etc.)? Are the representative of all the media outlets given equal conditions in that body for receiving information that promotes their work and is free of any discrimination? Is the information intended for the mass media given to all the journalists simultaneously, and are the journalists informed about the exact date and place of upcoming events within realistic times before the event?
- Supporting the enquirers. In that body do people with special needs (lack of literacy, disability, etc.) receive assistance for writing their information requests?
- In that body is there a person responsible for the freedom of information?
- In that body is there a room intended for the citizen reception?
B) Ensuring the freedom of information by publishing the information with your own initiative.
- With its own initiative does the body take appropriate measures in order to publish the information it possesses, without any information request, especially the information that is defined by article 7 of the Law “on Freedom of Information”?
- Have any guidelines been published as to how the citizens can study the Law “On Freedom of Information”, and are those guidelines accessible?
- Is there a proper form available for information requests, and does it include all the data defined by the Law “on Freedom of Information”?
- Is the proper form for information requests available on the website of the department?
- Are there any statistics of the inquiries received by the department (accounts), as is defined in the Law “on Freedom of Information”?
- Is that information made really available to the public?
- Do the bodies periodically update the published information? Are the changes published within 10 days?
- Does the body immediately publish the information under its possession, the publishing of which can prevent dangers to the state and public security, to the public order, to the health and customs of the society, to others’ freedoms and rights, to the environment, to personal properties, etc?
C) Electronic Publications.
- Do the bodies publish the information on their websites, including the abovementioned information, in order to simplify the process of acquiring the information kept in state bodies?
- Are the bodies, that do not have a website, advised to create a website and make their information available online?
- Do the state bodies periodically update their website (changes are published within 10 days)?
- Do the bodies have a special employee, one of whose main duties is to update the official website?
- Are the e-mails sent to the e-mail address provided on the official website read on a daily basis, and have all the electronic requests appropriately and timely proceeded?
- Other mechanisms of electronic FOI. Are the bodies encouraged to install the electronic system for proceeding with requests and applications?
D) The Staff.
- Do the employees in the departments of information and public affairs have the needed knowledge and skills in the sphere of freedom of information?
- Do they master the technical/practical skills of managing the information?
Best Official Website for Providing Information
- Does the website of the state/local self-government body publish the information that according to the Law “on Freedom of Information” must be published?
- Is the contact information of the person responsible for providing information published (name, position, phone number, e-mail address)?
- Does the website have a subsection about Freedom of Information?
- Is there a proper form for information requests on the website of state/local self-government bodies?
- Whether it is possible to send an electronic information request? Does the body respond to electronic requests/is information provided electronically?
Journalist/Media Outlet that has Most Actively Covered the Issues of Freedom of Information
- Does that journalist/media outlet use the Law “on Freedom of Information” during its activities?
- Has the Law “on Freedom of Information” been used in order to uncover or confirm a fact?
- The impact that the publications of that journalist/media outlet have had.
The NGO that has Best Used the Right to be Informed
- Is the NGO consistent in seeking information?
- During its activities has the NGO actively used the Law “on Freedom of Information”?
- What impact does the NGO have on public opinion?
- Has that NGO defended the interests of other citizens with the help of the Law “on Freedom of Information”?
- Has that NGO preached the “Law about Freedom of Information” among other individuals and organizations?
The Citizen who was the Best to Use the Law "on Freedom of Information”
- Is the citizen consistent in seeking information?
- While seeking information does the citizen actively use the Law “on Freedom of Information”?
Negative award Rusty Lock
The Worst State/Local Self-Government Body to Realize its Duties Defined by the RA Law “on Freedom of Information”
A state/local self-government body that has not realized its duties defined by the RA Law “on Freedom of Information”, as well as has violated citizens’ right to be informed.
State/Local Self-Government Body that is the Author of the most Hilarious Official Reply
The most hilarious and the most absurd official answer to an information request.
Award Winners 2021
The annual Golden Key and Rusty Lock Awards Ceremony of the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia took place on October 19, 2021. More than 80 representatives of mass media, state agencies, non-governmental and international organizations took part in the online event.
The traditional event, held for the 19th time, was a jubilee this year; the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia celebrates the 20th anniversary of its foundation. 2021 is also a jubilee for Open Government Partnership; this year marks the 10th anniversary of the membership of the RA Government in this international initiative.
“The award ceremony, dedicated to the freedom of information, is an effective way for FOICA to encourage activities open to the public and ensure government transparency and accountability. This year the journalistic community actively participated in the selection of open and closed state agencies. The representatives of more than 70 media outlets have nominated their candidates for the Golden Key and Rusty Lock Awards. Each of these nominations is a unique case of exercising the right to information. The results were summarized by the specialized jury of FOICA,” said Shushan Doydoyan, the President of FOICA.
The RA Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan greeted the participants with a video message saying, “Information is of incalculable value, as public trust in state bodies greatly depends on the timely delivery of information. The state must ensure fair access to information for all. You have to be honest with people, in line with their needs and new technologies. All those who will receive Golden Keys or Rusty Locks today should keep in mind that it is possible to achieve real human protection in the state only due to transparent, public, accountable work and a proper participatory decision-making process. I wish the Freedom of Information Center new accomplishments on its mission.”
Hovhannes Yeritsyan, the project coordinator at “Future Today” of UNDP/Kolba Lab, welcomed the event participants saying, “In the era of technological advances, when every day a new source of information emerges, freedom of information continues to be one of the most vulnerable aspects. It is the responsibility of every one of us to work vigorously to keep all the potential stakeholders “in the know” about what happens next to them. However, we need to do it intelligently to maximize the outcome of our efforts. This initiative is a paragon of smart work.”
In her opening speech Lilya Afrikyan, the secretary of the OGP Armenia working group, noted, “We are glad that the Freedom of Information Center has been standing by the Open Government Partnership initiative for already 10 years, supporting the government with its expertise to make the access to information even more targeted and timely.”
This year the symbolic Golden Key award was awarded to state and non-governmental organizations that demonstrated the best experience of freedom of information in 2020.
- The FOICA Special Prize was awarded to the Unified Educational and Information Portal of the OGP Action Plan N4 for ensuring access to education and information during the pandemic.
- The official website of the RA Ministry of Economy was recognized as the Best Official Website for ensuring access to information.
- The symbolic Golden Key was awarded to the “Public Awareness and Monitoring Center” NGO for effectively exercising the right to information.
- Narek Martirosyan, a journalist at Infocom.am, and Tehmine Yenokyan, an environmental journalist, were awarded in the category of Journalist Most Actively Using FOI Law.
- The residents of the Physics gitavan (a settlement for scientific institutions and scientists) received a Golden Key in the category of a civic initiative that fights against the violated right to FOI and submits a group request for information.
There were two categories for the negative symbol of the award, Rusty Lock.
- The RA National Assembly received a negative award in the category of a state agency threatening the freedom of information as a result of developing and adopting new legal regulations restricting the rights of journalists without participatory decision-making processes.
- The Ministry of Defense and Yerevan Municipality were awarded a Rusty Lock in the category of a state agency violating the right to information of citizens.
Numerous inquiries from the Freedom of Information Center, as well as from the media and journalists, addressed to the RA Ministry of Defense, remained unanswered or received very general and/or unreasonable and late answers. At the same time, the implementation of freedom of information by the Ministry in the post-war period received the lowest rating.
- In the field of access to information related to urban development, Yerevan Municipality is seriously violating the right to information. A number of complaints and inquiries from FOICA and citizens remained unanswered or received very vague and unreasonable answers.
The event was held online, so in the coming days the FOICA team will personally hand over the awards to the winners.
The annual Golden Key and Rusty Lock Award Ceremony, dedicated to the International Day for Universal Access to Information, was first held in 2003. Read about the previous years’ results of the award ceremony here.
The event is organized by the Freedom of Information Center NGO within the framework of the UNDP/Kolba Lab project “Future Today. Empowering Women, Youth, and Children for Deepening Democracy in Armenia,” funded by the European Union. This announcement was created with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Freedom of Information Center NGO and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Award Winners 2018
Freedom of Information Center announced for the 16th time the recipients of the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” awards on 28 September 2018 in Yerevan. The award ceremony was devoted to the International Right to Know Day.
Mr. Sargis Khandanyan – Deputy Chief of Prime Minister Staff welcomed the guests on this occasion stressing the importance of the initiative taken by FOICA and congratulated the award winners.
Mr. Artak Zeynalyan- Minister of Justice in his welcoming speech noted that Armenia is a progressive country with the Freedom of Information Law through the efforts of non-governmental organizations, human rights activists, active citizens, as well as international organizations”
Representative of the European Journalism Club in Armenia, Liza Esseks welcomed the audience and expressed her great enthusiasm and support for Armenian citizens. She stressed that the Law on Freedom of Information of the Republic of Armenia is a good and progressive law.
The host of the event President of the Freedom of Information Centre of Armenia Shushan Doydoyan mentioned that the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia formulates and establishes the publicity and transparency traditions in the governing system of Armenia through the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” annual award ceremony. Golden Key and Rusty Lock have become means to criticize publicly closed and secret activities, meanwhile appreciating the open and transparent work. “The new government formed after the revolution in Armenia has a number of challenges to overcome. First, the issue of personnel training is scarce. Most state officials do not know the requirements of the law. The next is the issue of proactive publication of information. Many agencies do not fully understand the essence of this commitment. The seriousness of what we have to do, and for that we have decided to give her time not a couple of months, but one whole year to make systematic improvements in this area”,- added Shushan Doydoyan.
As stated by FOICA’s President Doydoyan, neither the most open office nor the most closed office will be announced this year, as the Government has yet to do much.
The following people and organizations were awarded with Golden Keys as a symbol of openness and transparency:
- The best official website in terms of access to information was recognized as www.e-request.am the official website of the Unified portal for online portals, which is launched and coordinated by the Ministry of Justice.
- The Special award was awarded to Lilia Afrikyan, Leading Specialist of the Foreign Relations Department of the RA Prime Minister’s Office and secretary of the OGP Armenia Working Group for effective coordination and provision of government-civil society cooperation within the Open Government Partnership Initiative.
- A positive Award for an NGO that best used the right access to information was presented to the “Human Rights Power” NGO.
- Award for the media for most actively using FOI Law was awarded to “ampop.am” online portal.
The winners of awards were decided by the independent jury represented by 6 organizations in the Freedom of Information sphere.
The Award Ceremony was organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia NGO by the OGP Support Unit and Tides Center financial assistance in the frames of the “Promoting Open Government Partnership in Armenia” Project.
Award Winners 2017
Freedom of Information Center announced for the 15th time the recipients of the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” awards on 28 September 2017 in Yerevan. The award ceremony was devoted to the International Right to Know Day.
- The Positive Award for the state institution that best implemented the Armenian Freedom of Information Law was presented to Shirak Regional Administration. The Golden Key to the governor of Shirak was handed over by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Rafik Mansur.
- The best official website in terms of access to information was recognized as www.geo-fund.am the official website of the “Improvement of Mining Sector Transparency” program. The Golden Key was handed over to the Project Director Lilya Shushanyan.
- Award for an NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the right of access to information, was presented to “Disabilityinfo” NGO. The Golden Key was handed over to the president of the NGO Zaruhi Batoyan by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski.
- Positive Award for the public figure who has implemented FOI Law actively was handed over to Anahit Bakhshyan by USAID Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser.
- As the most consistent human rights defender for violated information was recognized Davit Asatryan, the human rights defender of the “Right Dominance” NGO. The Golden Key was handed over to the human rights defender by Deputy Chief of Government Staff Vahe Jilavyan.
- The award for the media for most actively using FOI Law was awarded to “Hetq” online newspaper. The Golden Key was handed over by Loreta Vioiu, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe office in Armenia.
- This year for the first time FOICA handed over a Special Award to the Spokesman of the Ministry of Nature Protection Marine Karapetyan, as being the most responsible information provider.
Negative award – Rusty Lock for a state institution, which is the author of the most ridiculous official answer, was handed over to the History Museum of Armenia.
Award Winners 2016
Freedom of Information Center announces for the 14th time the recipients of the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” awards on 28 September 2016 in Yerevan. The award ceremony was devoted to the International Right to Know Day and the 15th Anniversary of the FOICA.
Mr.Davit Harutyunyan, Minister-Head of Government Staff welcomed the guests on this occasion and stressed the importance of transparency and openness in the government system of Armenia.
The Acting Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Mr. Dirk Lorenz mentioned in his welcoming speech: “Freedom to seek, receive and impart information is a key component of democratic governance and development. People need to be fully informed to be able to form an opinion and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Freedom of information also contributes to better governance as it enhances transparency in public affairs and can be used as a tool to make governments accountable for their actions, in particular when access to information results in the exposure of human rights violations or corruption practices.”
The host of the event President of the Freedom of Information Centre of Armenia Liana Doydoyan welcomed the guests and announced the winners. The independent jury awarded the following institutions with Golden Keys, as a symbol of openness and transparency:
- Positive Award for the state institution that best applied the Armenian Freedom of Information Law was presented to the Ministry of Health. The Golden Key to the Deputy Minister Sergey Khachatryan was awarded by the Acting Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Mr. Dirk LORENZ.
- The award for the institution that has best implemented Open Government Partnership Commitments was awarded to Mr. Davit Harutyunyan, Minister-Chef of Government staff. The Golden Key was awarded by the Head of the Deborah Grieser, Mission Director, USAID/Armenia.
- The best official website in terms of access to information was recognized as the website of Vayots Dzor Regional Administration. The Golden Key to Deputy Governor of Vayots Dzor Mels Harutyunyan was awarded by Judith Farnworth, the UK’s Ambassador to Armenia.
- Award for an NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the right of access to information, was presented to the “Protection of Rights without Borders” NGO. The Golden Key was awarded by Suren Krmoyan, Deputy Minister of Justice to Haykuhi Harutyunyan, the president of the “Protection of Rights without Borders” NGO.
- The award for the journalist for most actively using FOI Law was awarded to Arman Suleymanyan, the journalist of CivilNet. He was awarded by Loreta Vioiu, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe office in Armenia.
- The award for the outlet most actively covering FOI issues was presented to the “Asparez” daily newspaper.
- A special Award was given to Artsrun Hovhannisyan, the Spokesman of the Defense Ministry. The Golden Key was awarded by FOICA’s president Liana Doydoyan.
The Award Ceremony was organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia NGO in cooperation with the Armenian Lawyers’ Association through the European Union financial assistance in the frame of the Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion Project.
Award Winners 2015
Freedom of Information Center announced for the 13th time the recipients of the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” awards on 28 September 2015 in Yerevan. The award ceremony was devoted to the International Right to Know Day.
RA Vice Prime Minister, Ministry of International Economic Integration and Reforms Mr. Vache Gabrielyan welcomed the guests on this occasion and stressed the importance of transparency and openness in the government system of Armenia.
The Head of OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, said: “The right of access to information is enshrined in many OSCE documents as one of the foundations of democratic society, which has an enormous power to promote transparency and accountability of state institutions. Since its establishment, the OSCE Office in Yerevan has been working with the Armenian authorities and civil society in improving the regulatory framework related to freedom of information. Taking this opportunity, I would like to commend all the institutions that will receive golden keys today, but also to encourage everyone to remain persistent in their efforts to receive information”.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Mr Piotr Switalski mentioned in his welcoming speech: “Transparency and freedom of information are key factors to reduce corruption by letting the Armenian citizens interact with their public services. The EU Delegation notes that Armenia’s worldwide ranking in the Global Right to Information is good. However, further steps are needed to enhance the participation of the citizens and the civil society in the implementation and monitoring of public policies”.
The host of the event President of the Freedom of Information Centre of Armenia Shushan Doydoyan welcomed the guests and announced the winners. The independent jury awarded the following institutions with Golden Keys, as a symbol of openness and transparency:
- The award for the most transparent institution was presented to the Kotayk Governor’s office;
- The Best Freedom of Information Reformer was recognized Mr. Suren Krmoyan, Deputy Minister of RA Minister of Justice;
- Award for the institutions which has best implemented Open Government Partnership Commitments was awarded to the Staff of the RA Government;
- The Best Community Initiative within the framework of OGP was recognized the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations;
- Award for an NGO that best used the right access to information was presented to the “Informed and Protected Consumer” NGO;
- The award for the most consistent human rights advocate of the right of access to information was presented to Mr. Arayik Ghazaryan;
- Award for the media outlet for most actively using FOI Law was presented to the Yerkir Media TV Company;
- Award for the journalist/media outlet most actively covering FOI issues was presented to the Liberty radio station/Armenia;
- The best official website in terms of access to information was recognized as the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture: www.minagro.am
The independent jury awarded the following institution with Rusty Lock, as a symbol of secrecy:
- A negative award for a state institution, which is the author of the most ridiculous official answer, was presented to the Armavir Municipality.
The winners of positive and negative awards were decided by the independent jury represented by 8 organizations in the Freedom of Information sphere.
The Award Ceremony was organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia NGO in cooperation with the Armenian Young Lawyers Association with the financial assistance of the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the European Union.
Award Winners 2014
Freedom of Information Center announces for the 12th time the recipients of the “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” awards on 26 September 2014 in Yerevan. The award ceremony was devoted to the International Right to Know Day.
Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan welcomed the guests on this occasion and stressed the importance of transparency and openness in the government system of Armenia. The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea mentioned in his welcoming speech: “The EU reiterates that free, diverse and independent media constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic society by facilitating the free flow of information and ideas, and by ensuring transparency and accountability”.
The host of the event President of the Freedom of Information Centre of Armenia Shushan Doydoyan welcomed the quests and announced the winners. The independent jury awarded the following institutions with Golden Keys, as a symbol of openness and transparency:
- Positive Award for the state institution that best applied the Armenian Freedom of Information Law was presented to the Armavir Governor’s office
- The best official website in terms of access to information was recognized as the official website of the Police of RA: www.police.am
- Special Positive Award for best implementation of Open Government Partnership Commitment of the Armenian Action Plan for 2012-2014 was awarded to the Ministry of Territorial Administration;
- A positive Award for an NGO that best used the right access to information was presented to the Armavir Development Center NGO
- Positive Award for the media outlet most actively covering Freedom of Information issues was presented to the Public Radio of Armenia: www.armradio.am
- A positive Award for most actively using the Freedom of Information right was awarded to the yerkir.am online media.
- Advocate Karen Mejlumyan was recognized as the most consistent human rights advocate for access to information rights.
The independent jury awarded the following institutions with Rusty Locks, as a symbol of secrecy:
- A negative award for a state institution, which is the author of the most ridiculous official answer, was awarded to the Armenian State University of Economics.
- A negative award for a state institution, that provided the latest responses to the citizens, was awarded to the State Committee on Immovable Property Cadastre.
The winners of positive and negative awards were decided by the independent jury represented by 7 organizations in the Freedom of Information sphere.
The Award Ceremony was organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia NGO in cooperation with the Armenian Young Lawyers Association by the European Union financial assistance in the frames of the Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion Project.
Award Winners 2013
It’s already the 11th time that the Freedom of Information Center’s annual “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” award ceremony took place on September 27, 2013, devoted to the International Right to Know Day.
The independent jury awarded the following institutions Golden Keys, as a symbol of openness and transparency:
- A positive Award for the state institution that best applied the Armenian FOI Law was presented to the RA Ministry of Finance.
- The electronic system of the State Register of the Legal Entities of the RA Ministry of Justice www.e-register.am was recognized as the best official website in terms of access to information.
- A positive Award for an NGO that best used the right access to information was presented to”The Transparency International Anti-corruption Center” NGO.
- Positive Award for the media outlet most actively covering FOI issues was presented to the www.panorama.am online media outlet.
- The Judge of the Court of General Jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash Administrative Districts Mr. Arayik Melqumyan was recognized as the judge who successfully restored the violated access to information right.
- The lawyer Mr. Artak Zeynalyan was recognized as the most consistent human rights advocate for access to information rights.
This year two Special Positive Awards of the FOICA were given to:
- The Staff of the RA Government for efficient organization of the implementation of the Armenia Country Action Plan in the Open Government Partnership International Initiative.
- The RA Ministry of Diaspora – for providing the most official electronic answers to the e-FOI requests in 2013.
The independent jury awarded the following institutions with Rusty locks, as a symbol of secrecy:
- Negative award for a state institution, which is the author of the most ridiculous official answer, was awarded to the RA Ministry of Urban Development, the RA Ministry of Economy, the RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Parking City Service CJSC.
- Negative award for a state institution, which provided the latest responses to the citizens, was awarded to the Yerevan Municipality.
- Negative award for a state institution, that does not fulfill its obligations in the FOI field, was awarded to the RA National Assembly.
The winners of positive and negative awards were decided by the independent jury represented by 8 organizations in the FOI sphere.
The Award Ceremony was organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia NGO with USAID/Armenia support.
Award Winners 2012
The Freedom of Information Center’s 10th annual “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” award ceremony took place on September 28, 2012– the International Right to Know Day. An independent jury awarded a Golden Key, as a symbol of openness and transparency, to the following nominations:
- A positive Award for the state institution that best applied the Armenian FOI Law was presented to the RA Ministry of Healthcare.
- The RA Ministry of Territorial Administration’s official website www.mta.gov.am was recognized as the best official website in terms of access to information.
- This year the FOICA Special Award was given to the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the initiative of Armenia’s membership to the Open Government Partnership International Initiative and for developing and presenting a comprehensive country Action Plan in OGP.
- A positive Award for an NGO that best used the right access to information was presented to “Journalists for the Future” NGO.
- Positive Award for the journalist that best used the right access to information was awarded to Mrs. Anna Israelyan (www.aravot.amand “Azatutyun” Radio Station).
- Positive Award for the media outlet most actively covering FOI issues was presented to the CivilNet.am Internet TV.
This was the first time that the Jury was not able to select the most secret state body, therefore the negative Rusty Lock award, a symbol of secrecy, was not announced. This is a great indicator that shows the consistent work done by us and our partners to promote access to public information and it demonstrates the continued efforts of the government to ensure transparency. The winners of the positive awards were selected by the independent jury represented by seven organizations that work on the freedom of information.
Award Winners 2011
The Freedom of Information Center’s annual “Golden Key and Rusty Lock” award ceremony took place on September 28, 2011 – the International Right to Know Day – which wrapped up the Freedom of Information Week launched on September 21. This year, the ceremony was dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the FOICA.
On September 28, 2011, the independent jury awarded the following institutions Golden Keys, as a symbol of openness and transparency:
- Positive Award for the institution/agency that best applied the Armenian FOI Law was presented to the Ministry of Education and Science.
- The Ministry of Justice’s official website www.moj.am was recognized as the best official website in terms of access to information.
- Positive award for the best official initiative ensuring freedom of information was presented to the Kotayq Regional Administration.
- Positive Award for an NGO that best utilized the right access to information was presented to the “Victims of the State Needs” NGO.
- Positive Award for the journalist/author of the best FOI-related article was awarded to Mr. Arman Gharibyan from “Lragir” online newspaper.
- Positive Award for the media outlet most actively covering FOI issues was presented to the news agency www.PanArmenian.net.
- Positive Award for the media outlet most actively covering FOI issues was presented to the online project www.hra.am.
Rusty lock awards, as a symbol of secrecy, were presented to the RA State Revenue Committee at the “Hamalsaranakanner” Condominium for the most unrealistic official answers.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the FOICA, 10 special awards were given to those organizations, which have contributed significantly to the development of freedom of information in Armenia.
Award Winners 2010
It is already eight years since the Freedom of Information Center organized the Freedom of Information Annual Award Ceremony in 2003. The ceremony is devoted to the International Right to Know Day. The main purpose of this event is to promote transparency and good governance in Armenia. On September 28, 2010, the following nominations were awarded by an independent Jury. The winners have been awarded Golden Keys as a symbol of openness and transparency.
- Positive Award for the most transparent institution/agency went to Goris Municipality.
- The best official website from the point of view of freedom of information has been awarded to the RA Government’s official website www.e-gov.am.
- Positive Award for an NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the access to information right has been awarded to the civil initiative “We are the owners of this city”.
- Positive Award for the journalist/author of the best FOI-related article has been awarded to Mr. Aram Zakaryan from “Aravot” newspaper.
- Positive Award for the TV program most actively covering FOI issues has been given to the TV program of the H2 TV channel “Right to Speech”.
- Positive Award for a citizen who has actively exercised his/her right of access to information has been awarded to the citizen Mr. Hakob Tovmasyan.
- Negative award for an institution, that does not fulfill its obligations in the FOI field was given to the Stepanavan Municipality /Mayor Mr. Sargis Gharaqeshishyan/.
The Award Ceremony was organized by the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia with the support of USAID and the World Bank Yerevan Office.
Award Winners 2009
It has already been seven years since the Freedom of Information Center organized the Freedom of Information Annual Award Ceremony in 2003. The ceremony is devoted to the International Right to Know Day. The main purpose of this event is to promote transparency and good governance in Armenia. On September 28, 2009, the following nominations were awarded by an independent Jury:
- Positive Award for the most transparent institution/agency went to Azatan village administration, Shirak region.
- Positive Award for a state institution/agency with the best e-governance system has been awarded to the Ministry of Territorial Administration.
- Positive Award for an NGO, which has contributed to the exercising of access to information right has been awarded to “Huysi Kamurj” NGO (Bridge of Hope).
- Positive Award for the journalist/media of the best FOI-related article/broadcast program has been awarded to Grisha Balasanyan from “Aravot” and “Hayq” newspapers.
- Positive Award for a citizen who has actively exercised his/her right of access to information has been awarded to the citizen Armen Galstyan.
The winners have been awarded Golden Keys as a symbol of openness and transparency.
- Negative award for an institution, that does not fulfill its obligations in the FOI field was given to the “Yerevan Construction and Investment Programs” state noncommercial organization.
The winner of the negative award received a lock as a symbol of secrecy.
The nominees were selected by an Independent Jury represented by 9 local NGO members, journalists, and scientists in the field. The Jury summed up the results of the monitoring periodically conducted by the FOI Center and their own experience. Another source for unbiased decision-making is the monthly Black list of those officials and institutions that infringed people’s right to access information (quarterly composed by the FOI Center). The Jury discusses the Black List and monitoring outcomes and makes its final decision on each nomination.
Award Winners 2008
It is already six years that Freedom of Information Center organizes Freedom of Information Annual Award Ceremony since 2003. This year the award ceremony has been devoted to the 5th anniversary of the RA law on “Freedom of Information” and the struggle against corruption. Five positive and two negative awards have been awarded.
- Positive award for the most transparent institution with the best system of providing information went to Eghegnadzor City.
- Positive award for the best official website from the point of view of freedom of information has been awarded to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia.
- Positive award has been awarded to citizens Artashes Hovhannisyan and Armine Arakelyan for actively exercising their right to have access to government-held information.
- Award for the NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the rights of access to information, went to “Hakastver” NGO.
- Award for the journalist/media most actively covering FOI issues in 2008 went to “Yerkir Media” TV station and Ms. Mariam Barseghyan, “Yerkir Media” reporter.
- Negative award for an institution, that does not fulfill its obligations under the FOI law, went to Hrazdan Municipality.
- Negative award for an institution providing the most ridiculous official answer went to Idjevan Municipality.
Award Winners 2007
On September 28, 2007, the International Right to Know Day, the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia organized the 5th Freedom of Information Annual Award Ceremony-2007. Five positive and a negative awards were awarded.
- Positive award for the institution with the best system of providing information went to Charentsavan Municipality.
- Positive award for the institution with the best electronic system for providing information was awarded to Yerevan Municipality.
- Award for the NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the rights of access to information, went to the Asparez Journalists’ Club from Gyumri.
- Award for the journalist most actively covering FOI issues went to Ms. Anjela Stepanyan, ALT TV reporter.
- Award for the most active student exercising his/her right to have government access held information went to the Yerevan State University Journalism Department.
The winners were awarded Golden Keys as a symbol of openness and transparency.
- Negative award for the institution, which does not fulfill its obligations in under the FOI law, went to Armavir Municipality.
This organization received a lock as a symbol of secrecy. The nominees were selected by the independent jury represented by heads of 9 local NGOs functioning in the field.
The event was organized with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.
Award Winners 2006
Freedom of Information Center of Armenia organized the Freedom of Information Conference and Annual Award Ceremony/2006 on September 28, 2006 (International Right to Know Day). About 80 government officials, judges, representatives of international organizations, NGOs, and media participated in the event. The conference was moderated by Mrs. Shushan Doydoyan, President of the Freedom of Information Center of Armenia. Opening remarks were made by Mrs. Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Karl Fickenscher, Acting Director of the USAID/Armenia, and Mr. Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. Mr. Armen Harutyunyan, RA Human Rights Defender, represented the current situation in Armenia concerning the protection of the freedom of information right. He was followed by Mrs. Shushan Doydoyan representing the problems of civil and legal defense of the freedom of information right in Armenia, and Mrs. Gayane Karakhanyan, Judge of the First Instance Court of Center and Nork-Marash communities of Yerevan, representing the court practice of the protection of the right for access to information.
- Positive award for the institution with the best system of providing information went to the Kotayk Regional Government.
- Award for the NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the rights of access to information, went to the Helsinki Civil Assembly Vanadzor Office.
- Award for the journalist most actively covering FOI issues went to Ms. Hripsime Jebejyan, a Reporter for Aravot Daily.
- Award for the citizen most actively exercising his/her right to have access to government-held information went to Mr. Artak Zeynalyan.
- The website of the Office of General Public Prosecutor (www.genproc.am) was recognized as the best official website concerning freedom of information.
The winners were awarded Golden Keys as a symbol of openness and transparency.
- Negative award for the institution, which does not fulfill its obligations in under the FOI law, went to Armentel CJSC.
- Negative award for the institution providing false information went to the Ministry of Transport and Communication of the RA.
These two organizations received locks as the symbol of secrecy.
Award Winners 2005
FOICA has been organizing FOI Annual Award Ceremonies since 2003. On December 9, 2005, FOICA organized the FOI Annual Award Ceremony 2005 devoted to International Anti-Corruption Day.
- Award for the most open institution went to the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition as the best institution implementing the FOI Law.
- Award for the NGO, that has contributed to the exercising of the rights of access to information, went to Achilles for the Defense of Drivers Rights NGO.
- Award for the journalist most actively covering FOI issues and using the FOI Law went to Ruzan Minasyan from Aravot Daily.
- Award for the most active citizen in exercising her/his right to access went to Armenuhi Gevorgyan.
All these winners were awarded golden keys as symbols of openness.
- Negative award for an institution that gave the most ridiculous official answer to the information request went to Gyumri Municipality for the following official answer:
- Negative award for an institution, which does not fulfill its obligations under the FOI Law, went to Yerevan Municipality.
Award Winners 2004
On December 10, 2004, the Freedom of Information Civic Initiative (Freedom of Information Center, Civil Society Institute, and Media Law Institute) announced the FOI Awards winners of 2004. The following nominations were awarded:
- Positive award for an institution with the best system of providing information went to the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
- Award for the NGO, which has contributed to the exercising of the rights of access to information went to the Helsinki Civil Assembly of Vanadzor (the NGO won the court case against Vanadzor Municipality to have access to official documents).
- Award for the journalist most actively covering FOI issues went to Naira Bulghadaryan, Vanadzor.
- Negative award for an institution, that does not fulfill its obligations in under the FOI law went to Yerevan Municipality (for keeping mayors’ decisions secret from Investigative Journalists and society). The winner received a lock as a symbol of secrecy.
To remind, this nomination was not awarded last year since the law has been just adopted. The nominees were selected by a Jury which was represented by 10 members of local NGOs and media outlets. The 2004 award was held in online regime.
Award Winners 2003
On December 10, 2003, the Freedom of Information Civic Initiative (Freedom of Information Center, Civil Society Institute, and Media Law Institute) announced the FOI Awards winners of 2003.
- RA Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs was recognized as the most transparent state body in Armenia.
- As an author of the best legal initiative of 2003, National Assembly deputy Mr. Victor Dalakyan was awarded a golden key.
- National Assembly deputies Mrs. Hranush Hakobyan, Mr. Rafik Petrosyan, and Mr. Shavarsh Kocharyan were awarded prizes for their support and contribution to the adoption of the RA law “On Freedom of Information”.
- Award for a citizen who has actively exercised his/her right of access to information under FOI Legislation to Mrs. Emma Kirakosyan.
- The Association of Investigative Journalists was recognized as the NGO that had best applied for the right of access to information.
- “Free, Secret, Transparent” article by “Haykakan Jamanak” newspaper journalist Mr. Haik Gevorgyan was recognized as the best publication covering freedom of information issues.
- The website of the RA National Assembly (www.parliament.am) was recognized as the best website from the point of view of freedom of information.
