A high-level discussion in Yerevan focused at strengthening prison healthcare though better information exchange and stronger protection of  medical confidentiality.

The event, the first of its kind, was jointly organised with the Human Rights Defender’s Office and brought together key institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, the Penitentiary Service, and the Prison Medicine Centre, alongside national and international experts. Participants agreed on a set of measures aimed at ensuring access to timely and effective healthcare for people deprived of liberty though better information exchange and stronger protection of medical confidentiality.

Drawing on a recent assessment report on medical confidentiality in Armenian penitentiary institutions, participants reviewed current practices, identified challenges such as breaches of confidentiality and inconsistent procedures, while also recognising positive progress in oversight and compliance.  

Council of Europe experts presented practical recommendations to strengthen legal safeguards, improve communication between institutions, and ensure staff are adequately trained to handle sensitive medical information. Participants stressed that improving prison healthcare goes beyond policy frameworks and requires tangible action on the ground. Key priorities include developing secure information-sharing platforms, establishing clear procedures, and providing continuous capacity-building for prison healthcare teams.

As a result, the institutions agreed to bolster co-operation, improve co-ordination of activities, and enhance mechanisms for effective information exchange in order to ensure consistent and rights-based healthcare for detainees.

This event was part of the Council of Europe project “Further Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty”, implemented under the Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026.