On May 22, Human Rights Defender Ms. Anahit Manasyanvisited the “Dzorak” Center for the care of the persons with mental problems. A kindergarten is located on the first floor of one of the buildings of “Dzorak”: residents of the adjacent houses and parents of preschool students had filed complaints to the NA Deputy Mr. Hovik Agazaryan, stating that Yerevan’s No. 34 kindergarten is located in the same building as the care of the persons with mental problems.
These complaints were later forwarded to the Human Rights Defender. The purpose of the visit to the “Dzorak” Center for the care of the persons with mental problems was to familiarize with the situation on site. Ms. Anahit Manasyan toured the center and the kindergarten, speaking with the staff of both institutions, as well as the residents of the adjacent houses. The visit was conducted jointly with the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mr. Narek Mkrtchyan, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs of the National Assembly, Ms. Heriknaz Tigranyan, the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs of the National Assembly, Mr. Rustam Bakoyan, the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs of the National Assembly, Mr. Hovik Agazaryan, representatives from the erevan Municipality as well as representatives of the Human Rights Defender’s Office and the head of the Arabkir administrative district of Yerevan, Mr. Aram Azatyan.
The Defender registered human rights-related issues, which were discussed with the representatives of the relevant authorities, urging them to find urgent solutions. These concerns included the need for the complete fencing of the kindergarten area and ensuring proper ventilation and lighting in the children's rest rooms.
Anahit Manasyan particularly emphasized the urgent need for steps to create a safe and secure environment for children's physical and mental development, considering the child's best interests while simultaneously not undermining the rights of individuals with mental health issues.
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