In an effort to enhance suicide prevention capabilities within Armenian penitentiary institutions, the Council of Europe (CoE) conducted comprehensive training sessions on the guidelines for suicide intervention plans on 30 and 31 January 2024 in Yerevan. The initiative aimed to equip Heads, Deputy Heads, and Department Heads of all Armenian penitentiary institutions with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively respond to suicidal behaviour within prison facilities once such a risk has been identified.

The training sessions were designed in accordance with the "Guide on specific interventions for suicide prevention in Armenian prisons" – a comprehensive framework developed by national and international CoE consultants. The participants engaged in interactive learning sessions, gathering practical insights and strategies tailored to the unique challenges arising in a prison environment.

Following these initial sessions, the Project will implement a series of follow-up training sessions for the multidisciplinary team members, fulfilling the CoE’s commitment to help Armenian authorities appropriately tackle mental health challenges within correctional facilities. These follow-up sessions will have the goal of passing this essential knowledge and skills on to psychiatrists, psychologists and security staff tasked with handling self-harm and suicide cases within prison facilities.

This event is part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Project “Strengthening the protection of the rights of persons in detention” that assists the national authorities to further enhance penitentiary reform, prison health care and the protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Project is financed within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 and implemented by the Council of Europe.