The Council of Europe has developed a comprehensive response package to the refugee influx in Armenia. This package has a total volume of 2.8 Million Euros. 

Through new projects as well as adjusted ongoing projects as part of the Council of Europe's Action Plan for Armenia (2023-2026), the Council of Europe will provide legislative expertise and support, enhance the protection of children and women, support local authorities, and improve access to healthcare including mental health.

This package will help to enhance the protection of human rights for displaced persons in Armenia, in particular vulnerable groups such as children, with extensive support to human rights institutions. A particular focus will be put on strengthening the capacities of the Human Rights Defender’s Office (the Ombudsperson), and the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as well as advancing relevant legislative and policy framework in line with European standards. 

Support will be also provided to strengthen resilience of the local authorities affected by the large influx of people. The Council of Europe will reinforce local authorities’ capacities to facilitate access to all services and help staff of municipalities and local communities to provide better assistance for displaced people.

In addition, the ongoing joint programme with the European Union and the project on ending violence against women  twill be adjusted to refocus on the protection the rights of refugee women and girls. This support will be grounded in relevant European standards and strategic documents, such as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) as well as the Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum and the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy.

Finally, under the project “Protection of Human Rights in Biomedicine” the Council of Europe will strengthen capacities of 2,000 healthcare professionals to provide better psychological and health care for refugees.