Discussion on the topic of "Improvement of Procedural Actions with the Participation of Children" held in Yerevan

On 5 December, a discussion on the topic of "Improvement of Procedural Actions with the Participation of Children" was held in Yerevan.

Judges and prosecutors participated in the event organised within the scope of the programme "Sustainable Co-operation for Ensuring Access to Justice for Children".

Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia Suren Krmoyan, attaching importance to the organisation of meetings in such a format, noted that the first steps aimed at the professional training of judges examining juvenile cases in Armenia were undertaken years ago. At the same time, Suren Krmoyan emphasised the need to continuously undertake steps for the purpose of improving procedural actions with the participation of children. For this purpose, the professional handbook "Practical Guide for Procedural Actions with the Participation of Children" — developed within the scope of the programme implemented with the support of the UNICEF in Armenia — was introduced during the discussion, wherein the international experience of behaviour with regard to children with different statuses, including child victims and witnesses, as well as practical advice, including psychological advice, are reflected.

As a result of the discussion on the Guide, the participants of the event submitted several recommendations aimed at the elimination of the flaws existing in procedural actions with the participation of children in practice.

The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the active discussion and noted that the recommendations would be considered and included in the handbook, where necessary.