Suren Krmoyan participated in the presentation-discussion of a guide devoted to the protection of children's rights in the digital environment

On 16 November, Deputy Minister of Justice Suren Krmoyan participated in the presentation-discussion of a guide “For respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of the child in the digital environment”. The event was organised by the Staff of the Human Rights Defender with the support of Save the Children Foundation, Kaspersky Lab and the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan.

During the event, as Chairperson of the Council for Juvenile Justice, Suren Krmoyan touched upon the complex steps necessary for protecting children from violence.

 The Deputy Minister noted that, unfortunately, when we speak about violence against children in the modern digital world, it is necessary to take into consideration various manifestations of not only physical, but also psychological violence emerging on the Internet year by year. Suren Krmoyan emphasised that the State is well aware of the importance of the problem in this sector and that state care with regard to this issue is first expressed through legislative regulations, indicating the laws related to the prevention of domestic violence and personal data protection as examples. However, according to the Deputy Minister, education is the major link for ensuring the undisturbed childhood of children. According to Krmoyan, educating and raising awareness of parents and teachers, as well as establishing mutual trust with children will create an opportunity to have a more protected digital environment for children.

Suren Krmoyan also presented to the participants the processes being implemented within the scope of co-operation with international platforms in the format of the Council for Juvenile Justice that are also related to the protection of juveniles from sexual abuse on the Internet.

Summing up, Suren Krmoyan expressed his gratitude to all the partnering stakeholders for the attention shown in this sector and expressed willingness for future co-operation.

The guide “For respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of the child in the digital environment” was recently accepted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and contains recommendations for all the member states of the Council of Europe. The guide also provides useful thematic guidance.