On April 16–17, 2026, the 34th LIFE Information Platform took place in Tsaghkadzor, bringing together young people from different regions of Armenia to strengthen their capacities, deepen their knowledge of human rights, and promote inclusive civic participation.

The objectives of the platform were:
• To develop youth leadership and activism skills
• To promote civic participation and engagement in public life
• To raise awareness of human rights and protection mechanisms
• To deepen knowledge on stigma, discrimination and harmful stereotypes
• To increase awareness of psychoactive substances, methadone substitution therapy, trafficking and prevention measures
• To support communication, partnership-building and knowledge exchange

The platform opened with remarks by Sergey Gabrielyan, President of Dignity Humanitarian NGO. He welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of youth leadership in promoting equality and protecting human rights, as well as the role of such platforms in fostering active community engagement.

He also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively combat stigma, discrimination and trafficking, raise legal awareness and actively engage in the protection of rights. Sergey Gabrielyan encouraged participants to actively engage in all sessions, share their experiences and fully benefit from the platform’s learning and networking opportunities.

Following the opening, expert Anna Asatryan provided key information on drugs and methadone substitution therapy.

Legal expert Shushan Khnkoyan then presented the topic on Human Rights: Protection Mechanisms, introducing participants to the fundamentals of human rights, national and international protection systems and key conventions ensuring the protection of rights and freedoms.

This was followed by a session on Stigma and Discrimination delivered by lawyer Anahit Mkrtchyan, who presented key concepts and practical applications, including direct and indirect discrimination, victimization, associated discrimination and segregation.

The second day of the platform began with a session on Leadership and Activism. The concept of leadership, differences between a leader and a manager, types of leadership, and the importance and impact of leadership in driving change were presented.

Next, followed a session on Trafficking, addressing human trafficking in Armenia, its prevalence, indicators and warning signs, and available support resources for victims.

The platform concluded with closing remarks by Sergey Gabrielyan, who thanked participants, experts, and partners, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would contribute to new youth initiatives, strengthened civic participation and the development of an inclusive, non-discriminatory society.

Participants reflected on the knowledge gained and discussed practical steps for applying it within their communities. The platform contributed to:

• Exchange of experience
• Creation of new partnership networks
• Strengthening youth initiative and engagement
• Increased knowledge on legal awareness, anti-stigma approaches, and leadership

LIFE-34 Information Platform once again demonstrated the crucial role of youth in promoting democratic values and building an inclusive society where equality and dignity are ensured for all.

LIFE-34 Information Platform was implemented by Dignity Humanitarian NGO with the financial support of the Embassy of France in Armenia.