With an aim to make the young voices heard in public health discussions and empower them to participate in the decision-making processes about their health, the Council of Europe hosted an interactive workshop in Shirak region, bringing healthcare rights to the forefront for the youth as the next generation of rights holders.

With the right timing following the recent ratification of the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (Oviedo Convention) by Armenia, and to mark both the Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse  and ahead of the International Human Rights Day, the event gathered 47 teenagers aged 13–15 at the Gyumri Technology Centre. The message to the youth was strong: understanding your rights is the first step to protecting them, while also making sure they are respected for others is important.

Over two dynamic days, participants learned about national and international healthcare rights through engaging activities, group discussions, and real-life case studies. Topics included informed consent and medical confidentiality, mental health and emotional well-being of young people, the importance of being involved in decisions about their health, and how young voices can help build sustainable healthcare. All the knowledge gained was further strengthened through leadership practice, storytelling and hands-on exercises, resulting in active conversations and deep engagement.

As a result, the young participants returned to to their communities better informed and inspired, ready to make changes and confident that their meaningful engagement in public dialogue on healthcare issues is important and needed.

The event was organised by the Council of Europe as part of its Project “Protection of Human Rights in Biomedicine III” implemented within the framework of the  Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 in close cooperation with the ‘’Teach for Armenia’’ organisation.