On November 26, the representatives of the Human Rights
Defender’s Office made an unannounced monitoring visit to the "Child and
Family Support Center of Shirak province" SNCO of the Ministry of Labor
and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as
Institution).
During the visit, the conditions in the institution's
building, communal and sanitary facilities, child care, in particular, first
aid services, food and clothing, staff-child relations, the state of protection
of children's rights and interests, documentation and its compliance with
established requirements and applicable standards were examined.
Private interviews were held with children and employees.
It is worth noting that the staff of the Institution is
consistent with regard to issues related to ensuring the rights of children
receiving care, children are mainly involved in various sports and cultural
activities, they are aware of their rights and the mechanisms of their
protection.
Evaluating the efforts of the institution's staff, it
should be noted that during the visit, a number of problems were recorded, most
of which are systemic in nature and are typical for almost all institutions
providing care and protection for children, for example, related to lack of
space, inconsistency of the physical environment with the principles of
universal design and other issues.
The results of the unannounced monitoring visit,
including the systemic issues repeatedly raised by the Defender, will be
summarized. A document reflecting these findings, along with recommendations,
will be submitted to the relevant authorities in the field.
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