The Council of Europe and Yerevan State University have joined efforts to host an inspiring essay competition to celebrate the Human Rights Day on 13 December 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia. The event focused on the role of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) in protecting human rights within the penitentiary system.

Aimed at fostering students’ engagement and raising awareness, the competition sought to highlight the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals in detention through a greater engagement of the academic community with core human rights issues.

During the ceremony, students presented their essays to an evaluation committee comprising representatives from the Yerevan State University, Ombudsperson office, civil society organisations, Penitentiary Service and the Council of Europe. The 16 finalists impressed the audience with their critical and in-depth analysis during 10-minute presentations, followed by thoughtful responses to questions.

The event concluded with a call for continued advocacy in the field of human rights protection, particularly in closed institutions.

These activities are part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Project “Strengthening the protection of the rights of persons in detention” that assists the national authorities to further enhance penitentiary reform, prison health care and the protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Project is financed within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 and implemented by the Council of Europe.