Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day is marked to honour and commemorate refugees around the globe. This day highlights the importance of protecting and strengthening the rights and needs of those who have been forced to flee their homes due to various circumstances.
On this occasion, the Council of Europe organised a workshop on 17 June 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia. The event aimed to analyse and address the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons. It brought together representatives from government, national and international organisations, and other stakeholders.
During the workshop, comprehensive discussions were held on various issues affecting refugees and displaced populations. Topics included identifying gaps in protection and integration services in Armenia and exploring the challenges refugees face in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, legal aid, and employment. Participants also suggested strategies and initiatives to improve access to these critical services and opportunities in Armenia.
Among the key speakers at the panel discussion were Anahit Manasyan, Human Rights Defender, Nelly Davtyan, Deputy Head of the Migration and Citizenship Service, Harut Aklunts, Deputy Chairperson of the Chamber of Advocates, Gohar Hakobyan, Head of External Relations of the Judicial Department of the Supreme Judicial Council, as well as key representatives from various non-governmental organisations and international partners.
The event served as platform for initiating crucial discussions and formulating actionable plans to support and integrate refugees more effectively in Armenia.
This workshop-discussion was organized by the Council of Europe Project on “Strengthening human rights safeguards for the displaced population in Armenia” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026.