Strengthening legislative quality in Armenia: Evidence-based, transparent and inclusive lawmaking

About

The workshop Strengthening Legislative Quality in Armenia: Evidence-Based, Transparent and Inclusive Lawmaking brings together representatives of state institutions and international experts to discuss practical approaches to improving legislative quality throughout the legislative cycle. Reflecting the national priorities, including the EU–Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Agenda for the EU–Armenia Partnership on transparent, accountable and inclusive reforms, the programme introduces the ODIHR Guidelines on Democratic Lawmaking for Better Laws and examines how evidence-based decision-making, transparent procedures, inclusive consultations, and systematic review of implementation contribute to coherent, accessible and effective legislation.

The workshop is part of the ODIHR's Stronger Democratic Institutions in Eastern Partnership Countries project, supported and funded by the European Union. The project's objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood region to be more inclusive, accountable, resilient, transparent, and compliant with human rights and the rule of law. Within this framework, ODIHR works with national stakeholders to strengthen the quality of legislation and reinforce institutional checks and balances.

Our role

The project supports the implementation of ODIHR’s core mandate to assist participating States in fulfilling their human dimension commitments related to democratic institutions. In this context, ODIHR aims to support the Ministry of Justice and other ministries in strengthening legislative quality through the application of transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based lawmaking practices, including the use of impact assessments, structured consultations, and the review of implementation practices, in line with the ODIHR Guidelines on Democratic Lawmaking for Better Laws.

Background

OSCE participating States have committed to ensuring that legislation is adopted through democratic, transparent and inclusive processes that reflect the will of the people. Effective lawmaking requires clear procedures, meaningful stakeholder participation, and the use of evidence to assess policy choices and anticipate implementation challenges. These elements contribute to legal certainty, public trust and the effective protection of human rights.

High-quality legislation is intrinsically linked to the process by which it is developed. Transparent procedures, accessible consultations and well-reasoned regulatory approaches support accountability and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions. Evidence-based lawmaking, including the use of explanatory memoranda and impact assessments, enables policymakers to better identify policy problems, evaluate regulatory options and assess potential economic, social and administrative implications. At a time when legal systems face increasing complexity and rapid regulatory change, strengthening democratic lawmaking practices helps ensure that legislation remains coherent, accessible and responsive to societal developments.

Who can take part

Participation is by invitation only.

Contact

For further information, please contact Sopio Asatiani, Associate Legal Officer, Sopio.Asatiani@odihr.pl.