Children Direct Their Questions to Decision Makers on the International Day of Child Protection

Through all upheaval, child rights should remain a compass to realizing the future we want and one that we can be proud of. UNICEF Representative

“It is of utmost importance for me to ensure that children’s voices are heard and that all decisions regarding them are taken in a manner that ensure their participation. We need to not only listen to children but also create opportunities for them to take part in decision-making. This plenary session is one more step towards that goal,” noted Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan on the concluding day of the plenary session, thanking UNICEF, members of the council, partner institutions and especially children for their presence and participation.

“It’s not only important to discuss child rights issues but to also hold ourselves accountable to the actions that will follow on our promises to children. This may not be an easy path as we live in an era of continued, rapid change, influenced by climate change, disruptive technologies and many other developments. Through all upheaval, child rights should remain a compass to realizing the future we want and one that we can be proud of,” said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia. “In the past 30 years, UNICEF has worked with the Armenian Government to contribute to a number of achievements for children, and, as we prepare the joint country programme for the next five years, we hope to be able to further build on this so that every child in Armenia has equal opportunity to fulfil his/her potential.”

“We are always keen to discuss the sector policy and strategic issues with students, get to know their opinions as children are the primary beneficiary of the education system. Hence when we discuss education reforms, first and foremost we need to listen to children,” emphasized Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports in her opening remarks. “In parallel to the meetings with citizens, as a Minister, I have also recently introduced a new format: meetings with school and university students to be able to better learn about the issues that they face.”

During the first panel discussion, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, Chair of National Assembly Standing Committee on Health Care Arsen Torosyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Araksya Svajyan, and Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan discussed the impact of the environment on child rights with children.

The second panel focused on the safety of children online and the influence of social media on children’s mental health with the participation of Anahit Manasyan, Christine Weigand, Chair of National Assembly Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs Heriknaz Tigranyan and Advisor to the Minister of High-Tech Industry Martha Sandoyan.

 Participants emphasized the importance and necessity of a system approach and cross-sectoral cooperation to ensure that child rights issues are tackled effectively. The panel discussions were moderated by children, allowing for due consideration of all raised questions, which the Council will further pursue together with Human Rights Defender.