On June 4, 2025, a delegation of young human rights and legal professionals gathered at the Permanent Representation of France to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. This high-level exchange focused on the evolving challenges of human rights advocacy and the global movement for the abolition of the death penalty. Arayik Grigorian, Vice-President of Themis International Human Rights Association, represented the organization among a select group of young leaders from across the Council of Europe region.
Dialogue with Ambassador Pap Ndiaye
During the visit, the guests engaged in strategic discussions regarding the role of member states in upholding democratic values. Arayik Grigorian had the opportunity for a personal exchange with Ambassador Pap Ndiaye, the Permanent Representative of France to the Council of Europe. Their discussion touched on pressing regional legal issues and the vital necessity of keeping human rights at the center of international diplomatic dialogue.
Collaborative Advocacy: ECPM and the Council of Europe
This diplomatic visit was organized as part of a specialized workshop led by ECPM – Together Against the Death Penalty (Ensemble contre la peine de mort), in collaboration with the Council of Europe. The initiative was designed to empower the next generation of legal professionals, fostering a transnational network dedicated to advancing human rights initiatives globally. Read more about the 2025 workshop “Death is not Justice” held in Strasbourg here.
Through these high-level engagements, Themis International continues to leverage the energy of young professionals to champion justice in Armenia and the broader European sphere. By aligning with partners like ECPM and the French Representation, we ensure that the Themis perspective remains an active force in the international legal community.