Throughout history, the medical community has played an important role in advancing human rights, from advocating for equitable access to healthcare to standing against discrimination and injustice. And the integration of human rights into medical practice is not just a moral imperative but also a legal obligation. Healthcare professionals are also the first responders and frontline actors during the emergency situations. 

To mark the National Health Workers Day in Armenia, the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, in close cooperation with the National Institute of Health RA on 19 June 2024 has organized an open discussion with healthcare professionals from Karabakh region on the challenges of provision of healthcare services during emergency situations. 

The discussion was opened by the presentation of the Council of Europe comprehensive response package to the refugee influx in Armenia, as well as the Support package of the Government of RA for the integration of healthcare professionals from Karabakh region into Armenian healthcare system.

During the main part of the discussion, healthcare professionals with different background and experience shared their practical experience gained during the events of September 2023 and the preceding blockade period with the colleagues from different medical centres of Armenia. The presentations were followed by active discussion. 

The event was a good opportunity to recognize and appreciate the tremendous hard work that has been done and contributed to advancing the integration process of healthcare professionals. 

The capacity-building training was organised by the Council of Europe Project on “Protection of Human Rights in Biomedicine II” implemented within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026.