To promote transparency and improve the implementation of Freedom of Information (FOI) laws across Armenia, the Freedom of Information Center held a series of collaborative workshops with regional journalists and local government officials. These sessions, organized as part of the Media Program in Armenia, took place in Vanadzor on October 23 and in Goris on October 25.
FOICA’s initiative reflects the rising need for joint discussions between local government bodies and journalists, both key players in ensuring the public’s right to information. By gathering municipal employees with the authority to classify and release community-held data alongside regional journalists, FOICA aimed to foster mutual understanding and enhance sector-specific capacities. The agenda, tailored to address the needs of both journalists and local government representatives, provided a forum to review municipal practices in FOI, bridging perspectives from journalism and public service.
“This format enables both learning and dialogue,” explained FOICA expert Gevorg Hayrapetyan. “We can address broad issues prevalent across Armenia while delving into specific local practices shared by participants. By examining individual cases, we uncover how existing challenges are tied to either legal violations or gaps in regulation.”
During the initial sessions, attendees were introduced to findings from the “Access to Information Right of Journalists in Armenia-2024” report. This presentation prompted discussions on how common the identified FOI challenges are within the regions, with participants from both journalism and local government exchanging ideas for solutions. They valued the opportunity to consult with experts on specific issues, noting the importance of on-the-spot discussions for practical insights.
Regional journalists highlighted their reliance on phone-based information verification, a practice grounded in their close-knit connections within communities. Robert Balayan from MIG TV Radio Company commented, “Journalists and local government officials here know each other well, which allows for regular, direct conversations. Having experts join these discussions adds legal and practical perspectives to our work.” Balayan added that meetings involving community leaders could further support informed FOI practices, as they often make crucial decisions on information-sharing policies.
Local government officials also voiced the need to involve community heads in such discussions. “Each session reinforces the value of involving community heads,” stated Anna Gasparyan, a senior specialist in Lori Marzpet’s Public Relations Division. “With guidance on FOI principles, community leaders can better navigate decision-making and collaborate effectively with FOI officers.”
Syunik Marz’s assistant to the Marzpet, Armine Avagyan, echoed the sentiment, recommending that future sessions should include both FOI officers and community leaders from all regional communities to ensure consistent FOI practices. She emphasized that community heads are integral to FOI management, particularly in areas near border zones where accurate information is vital. A representative from Tegh community urged journalists to validate information from multiple sources in these sensitive areas, while FOICA experts proposed a protocol for handling information in border regions, allowing for confidential classification of sensitive data as needed.
While the discussions were well-received, regional journalists pointed out their preference for phone communications over the e-request Unified Portal for Online Requests. Many cited limited awareness of the portal’s functions and a habit of direct contact with officials. FOICA representatives provided an overview of how to register and submit inquiries through the portal, stressing its benefits and encouraging adoption.
Overall, participants found the workshops constructive and called for regular meetings of this kind, underscoring the importance of consistent dialogue between journalists and local government for advancing FOI practices.
These workshops were organized by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the Freedom of Information Center, a subrecipient of Internews Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
