Armenia Child Protection UN
Over the past five years, Armenia has made significant strides in strengthening child protection through legislative and strategic measures, as noted by United Nations Resident Coordinator Francois Jacob during parliamentary hearings on November 11. This presentation, aimed at preparing Armenia’s fourth national report on child rights for the UN’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges in this critical area.
According to Jacob, Armenia has successfully harmonized its existing legislation with international standards while implementing new laws to address pressing needs in child welfare. These efforts have created a robust framework to ensure that education, protection, and social services are accessible to all children, including those forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. The forthcoming Youth Law, expected to be adopted by Parliament soon, further underscores Armenia’s commitment to advancing child and youth welfare.
The UN representative emphasized peace as a fundamental requirement for children’s development, arguing that a stable and balanced environment is essential for children’s growth and well-being. This priority aligns with Armenia’s broader goals in safeguarding child rights across the nation. However, Jacob pointed out the importance of providing additional support to vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities, those from impoverished backgrounds, and single-parent households, to ensure inclusive progress.
In conclusion, Armenia’s child protection initiatives mark an essential step forward in realizing child rights, particularly for those in vulnerable situations. Continued collaboration with international organizations like the UN will be critical in advancing these efforts and addressing gaps that remain in the system.
