On May 13, 2026, the conference “Human Right to Health Protection: Contemporary Challenges and State Responsibility. Exchange of Experience and Best Practices in Human Rights Activities across the Commonwealth of Independent States Space” took place in Minsk.
The event, organized during the Year of Health Protection in the CIS, was held on the sidelines of the 31st International Medical Forum “Healthcare of Belarus – 2026”.
The conference focused on sharing best human rights practices within the Commonwealth, addressing issues of cooperation between ombudspersons and youth initiatives in the field of human right to health.
Participants in the conference included representatives from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, international organizations, the Secretariat of the CIS Commission on Human Rights, and the CIS Executive Committee.
First Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS Igor Petrishenko sent a greeting to the participants of the conference.
The greeting noted that this meeting – held under the aegis of the CIS Commission on Human Rights – underscores the growing role of human rights issues in integration processes. Established on the basis of the CIS Charter, The Commission has become a significant advisory mechanism for monitoring human rights and a platform for open dialogue within the Commonwealth.
“2026 year has been declared the Year of Health Protection in the CIS. This decision reflects the striving of the CIS member states to consolidate efforts in medical and legal fields. At the same time, the exchange of experience and best practices aimed at improving national human rights protection systems and enhancing the effectiveness of state policy in healthcare is gaining particular significance,” the greeting states.
According to Igor Petrishenko, the CIS Commission on Human Rights has proven itself to be an effective platform for interaction between ombudspersons and human rights organizations. A common expert space is being created here to address pressing issues – from supporting socially vulnerable categories of citizens to advancing healthcare system. Discussing such topics at the Commonwealth level helps to find common approaches that take into account national legislation and legal traditions of our states.
The First Deputy Secretary-General expressed confidence that joint efforts of the CIS member states, their human rights institutions and professional community will ensure effective implementation of human rights to health protection, strengthen citizens’ trust in state institutions, and boost social protection of the population.