The Armenian Human Rights Defender Office reports that a recent inspection of the Abovyan Correctional Facility, the only one in Armenia for females and juveniles, has unearthed the following shortcomings.

• Pregnant inmates or those with children under the age of three lack cells and bathrooms specifically modified for their use.
• Food quantity and quality standards at the facility are subpar.
• Medical care management problems exist, and the confidentiality of medical records is not maintained.
• Drugs and equipment for adequate gynecological medical care are lacking.
• Supplies and equipment for adequate dental care are lacking.
• Medical waste isn’t properly disposed.
• Screenings to detect STIs and cancer aren’t managed properly.
• There aren’t enough furnished rooms for long-term visitations.
• Measures to reintegrate inmates into society are sporadic and temporary.
• Working conditions for facility staff are subpar.
• Minors held at the facility are segregated from the general population and thus often lack human contact.
• There’s a problem of communicating with foreign nationals.
• Security officers and social/psychological workers need retraining.

The report has been sent to the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections for review.