Back From legislation to practice: ambulance doctors and police staff strengthen capacities to ensure proper documentation of ill-treatment in detention

From legislation to practice: ambulance doctors and police staff strengthen capacities to ensure proper documentation of ill-treatment in detention

Ambulance doctors and police officers in Armenia have strengthened their ability to detect and document signs of ill-treatment in detention, contributing to stronger safeguards against torture and abuse. More than 50 ambulance doctors, alongside nearly 50 police officer, took part in a series of four intensive and targeted training sessions focused on the use of a new protocol and standardised form for documentation of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in detention facilities.

As a result, participants strengthened their practical capacity to record ill-treatment cases, injuries and health conditions accurately, consistently and in line with international human rights standards. This is a key step in ensuring the potential cases of ill-treatement are properly identified, documented and followed-up.

The training further reinforced understanding of the role of medical professionals and law enforcement in protecting the rights of detainees. Particular attention was given to ensuring access to independent medical examinations, maintaining medical confidentiality and ethical standards, and addressing risks of ill-treatment during the early stages of deprivation of liberty.

Drawing on the principles of the Istanbul Protocol, participants worked through practical scenarios to strengthen their response in real-life situations, including the early stages of deprivation of liberty, where the risk of ill-treatment is often highest. By improving both medical documentation and co-operation between institutions, the initiative contributes to greater accountability and stronger protection of human rights in places of detention.

This event is part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Project “Further 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 Aand implemented by the Council of Europe. 

TSAGHKADZOR, ARMENIA 17-18 APRIL, 2026
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The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation, with 46 member states, including Armenia. All our member states are party to the European Convention on Human Rights, which is the cornerstone of human rights protection in Europe.

The Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, represents the Secretary General in Armenia. It closely co-operates with national authorities supporting the implementation of statutory obligations to the Council of Europe by Armenia through co-operation projects.

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