As part of healthcare reforms and Armenia–Council of Europe cooperation, an Armenian delegation led by Deputy Minister Armen Gasparyan visited leading mental health services in northern France, with a particular focus on prison healthcare.

The visit provided practical insights into French approach to mental health and how people deprived of liberty can benefit the same quality of care, access to timely support and respect for their rights. Participants explored models that bring services closer to those most in need, including from multidisciplinary teams, and stronger links with community services.

The key takeaways included approaches to crisis prevention, alternatives to coercion such as the “0 seclusion, 0 restraint” model, and the importance of involving patients in their own care and recovery—even in custodial settings.

These lessons will support Armenia in improving mental health care in prisons by promoting safer environments, better rehabilitation outcomes, and smoother reintegration into society. The visit also strengthened professional exchange and laid the groundwork for continued cooperation.

This activity highlighted the  synergy between Council of Europe projects - “Protection of Human Rights in Biomedicine III” and “Further Strengthening the Protection of the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty”, – implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026. Together, these initiatives aim to build a more ethical, rights-based, and inclusive approach to healthcare in Armenia.