Message
of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan,
on the occasion of World Children’s Day
“Dear
colleagues,
Dear
children,
November
20 is celebrated worldwide as World Children’s Day. This day provides an
additional opportunity for all of us to emphasize that the protection of
children’s rights is of fundamental importance from the perspective of the
establishment of a state governed by the rule of law and a democratic society.
The
Human Rights Defender’s Office approaches this mission with the utmost sense of
responsibility, being confident that a strong and humane society can be built
only when every child has the opportunity to grow up in a dignified, loving and
violence-free environment.
This
day is also an additional opportunity to reconsider our shared responsibility
aimed at improving the system of protection of children's rights.
Our
monitoring carried out in recent years shows that a number of systemic issues
remain relevant in this area. These issues, in particular, relate to the
identification and prevention of violence, and appropriate responses by the competent
authorities to these cases, the protection of children’s personal data, access
to education, as well as ensuring the full realization of the rights of
children with disabilities. These challenges require a coordinated and
consistent approach.
In order
to overcome the presented challenges, the staff of the Human Rights Defender’s
Office and I regularly conduct visits to different provinces of the Republic of
Armenia, to general education institutions and child care and protection
facilities, where, inter alia, we meet with children, provide them with
information about their rights and the mechanisms for their protection.
I
consider it necessary to emphasize that as a result of this process, the level
of awareness of children is significantly increased, which gives them the
opportunity to speak out more freely about various types of violence, bullying
and other violations of rights.
It is
also important to keep in mind, that the implementation of an effective system
for the protection of children's rights is possible only when every member of
society is guided by the principle of ensuring the best interests of the child.
Dear
children,
You
beautify the world with your purity and directness. I warmly congratulate you
on this symbolic day and wish that your childhood path will always be filled
with warmth, love, peace and endless smiles.”
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