At
the initiative of the Human Rights Defender and with the support of UNICEF, the
next session of the Public Council on the Protection of Children's Rights
adjunct to the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia was held on
June 1-2. The event was a unique opportunity for children to address their
questions to officials from various sectors and decision-makers.
On
the second day of the session, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of
Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan, the UNICEF Representative in Armenia, Ms.
Christine Weigand, and the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports
of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Zhanna Andreasyan, delivered opening speeches.
Human
Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan, emphasized in
her speech that the protection of children's rights remains one of the key
areas of the Defender's activity: "Our priority is to ensure that
children's voices are heard, and that every decision concerning children is
made with their participation. We must not only listen to children, but also
create the necessary conditions for their full development and protection. This
Council session is another step on the path toward achieving that goal. I thank
UNICEF, all members of the council, partner organizations and especially our
children for their direct participation," the Defender noted.
In
her speech, Ms. Christine Weigand emphasized the importance of not only
discussing children’s rights, but also being responsible for the actions that
follow from our promises to children.
“This may not be an easy path, as we live in
an era of continuous change, shaped by climate change, disruptive technologies
and a number of other developments. Amidst all these changes and upheavals,
children’s rights must be a compass for building a future we want and can be
proud of,” said the UNICEF Representative in Armenia, Ms. Christine Weigand.
She
also noted that over the past 30 years, UNICEF has collaborated with the
Government of Armenia, contributing to the implementation of a number of
achievements in favor of children. “By preparing a joint work plan with the
Government for the next five years, we hope to be able to build more on this
pillar so that every child in Armenia has equal opportunities to realize their
potential.”
During
the session, special attention was paid to the participation of children. They
were not only present, but also had the opportunity to personally voice their
concerns and issues. The children asked questions to the invited officials
regarding specific topics.
In
the panel discussions, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia,
Ms. Anahit Manasyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health of the
National Assembly Mr. Arsen Torosyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science,
Culture and Sports Ms. Araksia Svajyan, as well as Deputy Minister of Environment
Mr. Aram Meimaryan discussed the impact of the environment on the realization
of children's rights.
Ms.
Anahit Manasyan, Ms. Christine Weigand, Chair of the Standing Committee on
Labor and Social Issues of the National Assembly Ms. Heriknaz Tigranyan, and
Advisor to the Minister of High-Tech Industry Ms. Marta Sandoyan addressed
online safety and the influence of social media on children’s mental health.
They
emphasized the need for a systemic approach and sectoral cooperation to
effectively address the issues of children's rights protection.
The
children themselves led the panel discussions and asked questions to the
invited officials, which was one of the key achievements of the session. This
process contributes not only to the deepening of children's involvement, but
also to the inclusion of their suggestions and observations in the process of
developing state policies and programs.
At
the end of the session, the main issues and recommendations were recorded,
which the Human Rights Defender will present to the relevant state bodies.
The
session once again highlighted that protecting children’s rights requires a
systemic approach, collaboration among all stakeholders, and above all—ensuring
that children’s voices are fully heard.
The
session of the Public Council on the Protection of Children's Rights adjunct to
the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia began on June 1,
International Day for Protection of Children. After the discussions, a visit to
the National Gallery of Armenia was organized for Council members at the
initiative of the Defender.
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