This Programme contains strategies to pursue initiatives that target needs for legislative reform, for strengthening the judiciary, for the protection of human rights, of minority rights and of freedom of the media, in accordance with European social and human rights standards. The Programme also targets needs for social protection of vulnerable groups, for promoting education for a democratic society, and for developing State-society relations. The Programme will be carried out in collaboration with the competent authorities of the South Caucasus states and with the full support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.

The target groups of the Programme are: decision-makers, elected officials and legislators, the staff of local and national structures, professional groups, non-governmental organisations, journalists, policy makers and formulators of public opinion.

By acting together in partnership, the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the authorities of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia enable the access of target beneficiaries to knowledge about European standards and practices which can be applied to pursue reform in the three countries. This partnership makes explicit to all beneficiaries and target groups the inter-relationship and mutual dependence of all issues concerning democratic reform and integration into a wider European political, cultural and commercial space. The active participation of official and non-governmental partners is clearly a pre-requisite for the successful implementation of the Programme.

For more information see: http://jp.coe.int