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Council of Europe Conducts a Workshop-Discussion Dedicated to the World Refugee Day
Enhancing Refugee Protection and Integration in Armenia: Challenges, Strategies, and Co-operation

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.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 20 JUNE 2024
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Start date: December 2023

Duration: 30 months

Budget: EUR 1,000,000

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

Main Partners: Ministry of Justice, Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Human Rights Defender’s Office

Contact person: Ms Tamara Barbakadze, Project Manager

This project aims to provide tailored support to Armenian authorities in addressing the needs of displaced persons and refugees, with a specific emphasis on strengthening human rights institutions, particularly the Human Rights Defender’s Office and the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The project's primary emphasis is to accompany the authorities towards operating with an advanced legislative and policy framework related to displaced persons, ensuring that the letter enjoy basic human rights per the European Convention on Human Rights and other European standards. It also focuses on enhancing the capacity of legal professionals, relevant national authorities, and civil society organisations to respond effectively to the needs of the displaced population. Furthermore, the project aims to facilitate access to information on rights and available services for displaced persons, ensuring they are well-informed about their entitlements and available support.

The Project will focus on accomplishing the following outcomes:

  • Legal professionals, relevant national authorities and civil society organisations operate with enhanced capacity while responding to the needs of the displaced population.
  • Access to information on the rights and available services is facilitated for the displaced persons.