ArmInfo.Below is a statement by the Delegation of Armenia - Ms. Syuzanna Martirosyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission, at the UNGA79 Third Committee under the agenda item 67, entitled "Promotion and protection of the rights of children".
"Madam Chair, Advancing the needs of children is crucial for ensuring the integrity of universal human rights and ensuring the well-being and development of future generations.
"Armenia is dedicated to enhancing the protection and promotion of children's rights, having ratified all key international treaties, including, most recently, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on Communication Procedure, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In September, Armenia presented its combined fifth and sixth periodic report on implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, detailing the measures taken to uphold children's rights across various sectors.
"Armenia's commitment to inclusive and child-sensitive policies are reflected in the recent legislative changes, which aim to strengthen guardianship and foster care systems, prevent challenging life situations, and promote multidisciplinary child protection councils within the communities. Round-the-clock duty stations are being introduced to respond to urgent cases and establish a centralized information system to track and manage cases of children in difficult life circumstances. Central to these reforms is the principle of the best interests of the child, exemplified by the establishment of a child-centered justice system. This includes the implementation of Barnahus facilities, which feature "safe corners" to help minimize children's interactions with the traditional justice system and ensure that their rights and well-being are prioritized throughout the legal process.
"Armenia is steadfast in its commitment to promote and protect the rights of all children, regardless of their circumstances. The mass forced displacement of the entire population from Nagorno-Karabakh has highlighted the urgent necessity to expand public services across the country. In response, Armenia has mobilized resources to enhance social security, healthcare, housing, and education while prioritizing the psychosocial resilience of affected families through collaboration with international partners. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of many displaced children, who are without parental care, access to necessary educational and healthcare services has been ensured. Currently, around 17,000 displaced children are enrolled in public schools in Armenia, where they receive essential educational resources and psychosocial support.
"For Armenia, ensuring equal access to quality inclusive education for all children remains a crucial priority. To this end, targeted procedures have been put in place to identify and support children who have dropped out of compulsory education, with biannual assessments to monitor enrollment for those aged 6- 19.
"The government prioritizes the creation of a sustainable school nutrition system through initiatives such as the "School Feeding Program," a product of successful cooperation between Armenia and the World Food Programme. This initiative provides healthy meals to primary school students across Armenia, aiming at enhancing the quality of education and fostering healthy lifestyles among them. By incorporating a food systems perspective into school feeding programs, Armenia has been working to reduce nutrition vulnerability in schools, having adopted a strategy that connects local farmers with school food and nutrition initiatives.
"Additionally, to address early marriages, prevent school dropouts, and promote the well-being of young individuals, legislative changes were enacted earlier this year, setting the legal age for marriage at 18 without exceptions.
"Armenia is dedicated to fostering an inclusive society that respects the rights of every child and ensures that all children have the opportunity to thrive and receive the support they need, as reflected in the 2023- 2027 Programme for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
"In conclusion, Armenia is committed to enhancing inclusive, child-sensitive, and resilient policies that empower every child to achieve their full potential, and we are eager to support collaborative efforts in pursuing these objectives.
"I thank you."