The Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representation in Armenia, and the Centre for European Studies at Yerevan State University officially launched the CoE HELP course on protection and promotion of refugee and migrant children’s rights.

This joint event, held on 15 July 2024, brought together around 50 representatives from the Council of Europe, UNHCR, Yerevan State University, Government ministries and civil society, along with distinguished representatives from the Council of Europe Children’s Rights Division, Justice and Human Rights Training Division, as well as UNHCR Representation to the European Institutions in Strasbourg. The Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees also participated in the event with opening remarks.

This new online HELP course, adapted into the Armenian context, stands as an effective educational tool, aiming to deepen participants' understanding of the rights and needs of refugee and migrant children, including unaccompanied and separated children. Through comprehensive training on the legal framework, case-law, and best practices, the course prepares law enforcement and migration officials, judges, lawyers, government officials, and representatives from international organizations and civil society to better address and meet the specific needs of refugee and migrant children, thereby making a significant and positive impact on their lives.

In a ceremony at the conclusion of the event, participants who successfully completed the HELP/UNHCR online course on “Asylum and Human Rights” were awarded HELP certificates. The certificates were presented by respective representatives from COE Office in Yerevan, UNHCR Representation in Armenia and YSU’s Center for European Studies, recognising the participants' commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge to better protect and support refugee and migrant children.

The event was supported by the “Protecting the Rights of Armenian Children in Post-Conflict Context” project.