Within the framework of the program “Overcoming Violence against Women and Strengthening Gender Equality in Armenia” of the Council of Europe, Arsen Ayvazyan, Deputy Chairman of the RA Investigative Committee, Sargis Margaryan, Head of the RA IC Gegharkunik Regional Investigative Department and Robert Vardanyan, Head of the Investigative Division of Malatia-Sebastia administrative district of Yerevan Investigative Department of the RA IC, were on a three-day educational and familiarization visit in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Representatives of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the RA Prosecution Office, the RA Human Rights Defender's Office, as well as non-governmental organizations were in Armenian delegation, as well.

The visit was aimed at familiarizing with the Swedish legal system, experience in combating violence against women and preventing domestic violence, challenges and successes, mechanisms of interdepartmental cooperation in the mentioned field, within the framework of the exchange of experience.

The delegation had full and productive meetings with the representatives of the law enforcement and other competent bodies, non-governmental organizations of Sweden.

Among others, issues on criminal prosecution within proceedings on violence against women and domestic violence, protection and prevention mechanisms, investigative tactics during the investigation of proceedings of the specified nature, effective victim-centered approaches were discussed.

The delegation was also received by Christina Yohannesson, Sweden’s Ambassador of the Eastern Partnership Program and Sweden's special representative in the Belarusian Democratic Forces operating in emigration. She underlined the significance of the international cooperation emphasizing that ensuring gender equality, combating gender-based violence are among Sweden's priorities and they are happy to share their experience to support the formation of a safe environment in Armenia.

Arsen Ayvazyan, Deputy Chairman of the RA Investigative Committee underlined the importance of the visit noting that getting to know Sweden's experience will help make our strategic steps more in line with international standards, strengthen cooperation with Swedish partners to improve the fight against crimes in Armenia and provide more effective protection and support for victims of violence.