On the occasion of COP17 in Yerevan, the Council of Europe met with Armenia’s Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, to discuss cooperation on health protection and the “One Health” approach, which is pursued by both the Council of Europe and Armenia.

Discussions focused on progress towards Armenia’s acceptance of Article 11 of the European Social Charter, which safeguards the right to protection of health, and the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs and the relevant Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (Oviedo Convention).

The meeting also addressed the challenges posed by addictions and the mental health crisis, as well as the important work of the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group. Armenia’s support for the Council of Europe Coalition for Health Literacy and Human Rights was also welcomed. The Coalition aims to support the promotion of equitable access to healthcare and empowerment of people to make informed decisions about their health.

The Council of Europe and Armenia look forward to further strengthening their cooperation to promote health and human rights.