The European Social Charter, a cornerstone of social rights in Europe, plays a crucial role in safeguarding fundamental human needs, including the right to housing and protections for older people.

The workshop organised by the Council of Europe on 3 April focused on the non-accepted provisions of the European Social Charter, particularly the right to housing and the right of elderly people to social protection.

The event brought together over 30 key representatives from Armenia’s government, civil society, and international organisations to discuss the country’s ongoing efforts in social housing and the right of elderly people to social protection.

Despite the ratification by Armenia of the revised European Social Charter in 2004, the country has yet to adopt specific provisions of the Charter related to housing and the right of  elderly people to social protection. However, recent reforms and initiatives indicate a strong commitment to aligning national policies with the European standards. The workshop aimed to facilitate dialogue on these crucial issues and explore avenues for further legislative and policy advancements.

Discussions included a presentation of the Council of Europe Report on Social Housing, highlighting key case-law from the European Committee of Social Rights. It provided a platform for concrete policy review and strategic planning, contributing to the alignment with the European social standards.

Margarita Galstyan, Head of the Cooperation Unit, Department of Social Rights at the Council of Europe, praised Armenia’s ongoing efforts, and appreciating Armenia’s initiatives in addressing social housing and the right of elderly people to social protection and reaffirm the Council of Europe’s commitment to supporting Armenia in aligning its national legislation with European standards.

By exchanging views on the existing challenges and their possible solutions, the workshop contributed to strengthened co-operation between Armenia and the Council of Europe, reinforcing commitment of the Armenian partners to protecting vulnerable groups and advancing social rights.

The workshop proved to be an advance toward enhancing protection of vulnerable groups through targeted measures taking their specific needs into account and better promotion of social rights in the country.

The workshop was organised by the Council of Europe in the framework of its project  “Enhancing Social Human Rights in Armenia” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026.