The Council of Europe hosted a discussion with refugee healthcare professionals to review the results of support activities conducted between March and November 2024 and confirmed its readiness to continue further support in this regard.
As part of its comprehensive response package to the refugee influx in Armenia, the Council of Europe organised series of capacity building events aimed at supporting the integration of refugee healthcare professionals into Armenian healthcare system through professional and personal self-realisation. The capacity building activities were designed to strengthen the competences of healthcare professionals in human rights applicable to healthcare. These training sessions provide participants with the most up to date knowledge on the international standards governing the field. The training programs also focused on practical skills, such as effective communication and public speaking aiming to improve the healthcare professionals’ ability to easily communicate on professional issues while also promoting their social integration.
On 7 December, refugee healthcare professionals had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge during a simulated exercise on the ratification process of the Oviedo Convention. The exercise involved discussions on the possible benefits of a ratification. This simulation exercise served as an opportunity to apply and refine professional competencies. It promoted dialogue on key healthcare issues, including informed consent, medical confidentiality, and other principles essential to daily medical practice in Armenia.
These activities contribute to and support the efforts of the Government of Armenia for the integration of refugee healthcare professionals.
The event brought together over 100 refugee healthcare professionals, fostering a sense of community despite being far from their homeland.
The event was organised by the Council of Europe as part of its Project “Protection of Human Rights in Biomedicine II” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026.
