Peer education in drugs prevention is a new concept introduced for the first time in Armenian penitentiary institutions through a bespoke Training of Trainers (ToT) programme focused on harm reduction, and rehabilitation. The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote a health-oriented and rights-based approach to substance use in prisons and to improve access to voluntary treatment and psychosocial support services.

The ten inmates embracing this new peer-to-peer programme in “Nubarashen” and “Armavir” penitentiary will become the first peer educators within their respective facilities and in Armenia.

This innovative approach addresses complex challenges related to substance use in custodial settings, including limited access to specialised psychosocial services, stigma surrounding drug use and treatment, and the influence of informal prison subcultures. In this context, peer-to-peer education complements formal services by facilitating communication within inmate communities while maintaining strict ethical boundaries and institutional neutrality.

Over the course of three intensive days, participants developed practical competencies in key areas such as drug risk awareness, harm reduction principles, overdose recognition and response, prevention of HIV and hepatitis transmission in custodial conditions, trauma-informed communication, motivational communication techniques, confidentiality, and safe referral pathways to professional services. A key feature of the programme was the creation of a structured and psychologically safe learning environment within the penitentiary institution, designed as a temporary “health and learning zone” separated from punitive contexts.

The initiative aligns with the priorities of the Armenian National Drug Prevention Strategy, which promotes peer-to-peer education in prisons as a trusted and effective approach to increasing awareness and engagement. Following completion of the training, a supervision and support mechanism is put in place to ensure sustainable and effective implementation of peer-led activities.

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 and implemented by the Council of Europe.