Back Employers’ organisations in Armenia enhance their understanding of European Social Charter standards

Employers’ organisations in Armenia enhance their understanding of European Social Charter standards

The Council of Europe, together with the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia, held a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening employers’ capacity to promote and uphold international labour standards in the workplace and to support the creation of employment opportunities for people in vulnerable situations.

The capacity building gathered representatives from employers’ organisations across the country, offering them the opportunity to reflect on current workplace practices, understand international obligations, and learn practical ways to improve working conditions in Armenia.

During the opening, representatives of the Council of Europe and the Republican Union of Employers stressed the constructive role employers can play in protecting social rights. In turn, the participants shared expectations and expressed the need for practical knowledge that could be applied in their daily work.

Throughout the two days, international experts guided the participants through the key labour rights ensured by the European Social Charter, including safe and healthy working conditions, equality in the workplace work, and fair treatment of employees. Sessions covered occupational health and safety, the prevention of violence and harassment in the workplace, and Armenia’s ongoing efforts to align national labour regulations with European and international standards. Group discussions and practical exercises gave employers the opportunity to analyse common workplace issues, identify gaps, and explore feasible solutions suited to the Armenian context.

The Council of Europe and the Republican Union of Employers expressed readiness to continue working together to support employers in creating fair, respectful and safe working environments for all.

The capacity building was organised within the framework of the project “Enhancing Social Human Rights in Armenia”, which is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 21-22 NOVEMBER 2025
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What is the goal and objective of the project?

The project “Enhancing social human rights in Armenia” is part of the comprehensive response package launched by the Council of Europe to address the refugee influx in Armenia. The project is designed to support the Armenian authorities in addressing pressing social and economic rights challenges. As an integral part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia for 2023- 2026, it aims at enhancing the protection of social rights in Armenia in line with international standards to respond to crisis situations.

 Start Date: 01 January 2024

 Duration: 36 months

 Funding: EUR 950 000, Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026

Contact person: Mariam ALEKSANYAN, Senior Project Officer

Who benefits from the project?
How does the project work?

The cooperation project will be carried out in line with the priorities laid down in the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia for 2023- 2026 .

What do we expect to achieve?

The project underscores the foundational role of social rights in democracy building and will focus on accomplishing the following outcomes:

  • Provide expert support for aligning national legislation on housing, employment, vocational training, and labour rights with European standards, adopting a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach.
  • Empowering national authorities to harmonise policies and practices with European standards, ensuring proper protection and implementation of social rights.
  • Strengthening the decision-makers' awareness of the procedure for accepting new provisions of the European Social Charter and the Collective Complaints procedure.
  • Capacity development for staff from the Human Rights Defender's Office, civil society organisations and legal professionals to effectively implement and monitor adherence to social rights in line with the European Social Charter and the case-law of the European Committee of Social Rights.
  • Enhancing awareness among displaced individuals and people from vulnerable groups about their rights and entitlements, emphasising their social rights and the availability of social services. Simultaneously, it seeks to elevate the understanding of national and local authorities concerning their roles, responsibilities, and the provision of social services at both national and local levels.”
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