On 24 July 2024, the Council of Europe project “Protecting the Rights of Armenian Children in Post-Conflict Context”  organised a roundtable discussion with a view to support Armenia's efforts in deinstitutionalisation reform and enhance the protection of the rights of unaccompanied and separated children. The event brought together national authorities and civil society organisations to address gaps and needs in the current child protection system and propose actionable and targeted recommendations.

In her opening remarks, Tatevik Stepanyan, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights of unaccompanied and separated children. Karine Moreau and Anne-Laure Baulieu, Project Managers of Children's Rights Division of the Council of Europe emphasized the necessity of close co-operation between public authorities, civil society, and other key stakeholders in developing a child-centered care and protection system.

Council of Europe international and national consultants, presented a comprehensive set of practical recommendations to enhance the protection of children’s rights in Armenia, with a specific focus on the unaccompanied and separated children. The recommendations are based on the needs assessment and gap analysis report developed from May to July 2024.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening co-operation and ensuring the effective implementation of the reform agenda, including legislative development, capacity building, and awareness raising of children and professionals working with and for children. As a follow-up, the project will develop a set of manuals for professionals working with children on mental health and psychosocial support, and effective guardianship.

 Programme