Back New Council of Europe HELP Course “Refugee and Migrant Children” adapted into Armenian context and launched in Yerevan

New Council of Europe HELP Course “Refugee and Migrant Children” adapted into Armenian context and launched in Yerevan

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.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 15 JULY 2024
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Start Date: 01 January 2024

Duration: 21 months

Budget: EUR 550 000

Donor: Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026

Partners: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Armenia, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, The Human Rights Defender's Office the Republic of Armenia, Office of the Prosecutor General, Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia

Contact Person: Artyom SEDRAKYAN, Senior Project Officer

Expected impact of the Project: A child-friendly, comprehensive, and consistent framework of measures with respect to guardianship for unaccompanied and separated children will be set in Armenia. The project draws on the Council of Europe's expertise to safeguard children's rights in the aftermath of conflict. Aligned with the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child, the project will support the implementation of the Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers on effective guardianship for unaccompanied and separated children in migration contexts.

The Project will focus on accomplishing the following outcomes:

  • The project adopts a multifaceted approach to protect the rights of affected Armenian children by offering legal and policy support aligned with Council of Europe standards;
  • The project focuses on strengthening the capacities of civil servants, focal points, and other professionals to effectively safeguard the rights of Armenian children impacted by the conflict, including those who are unaccompanied and separated;
  • The project aims to raise awareness among both children and parents about effective guardianship and the prevention of violence against children.