Actions for prevention of and response to violence against children discussed

On 25 July, the "Legal Education and Rehabilitation Programmes Implementation Centre" SNCO of the Ministry of Justice, jointly with the UNICEF, organised a discussion entitled "Actions for prevention of and response to violence against children" and held with the participation of children. During the discussion, the children shared their notions of the issue, developed and submitted recommendations on the actions they would undertake to prevent violence and help children suffering as a result of violence, as well as recommendations to not allow disintegration of children from society and on how the State should respond.

Deputy Director of "Legal Education and Rehabilitation Programmes Implementation Centre" SNCO Gayane Hovakimyan and Head of the Child Protection Department of the UNICEF in Armenia Hayk Khemchyan delivered opening speeches. Representatives of the staff of the Office of the Human Rights Defender and partnering non-governmental organisations — Child Development Foundation,"SOS"-Children's Villages" Armenian Charity Foundation, Children of Armenia Fund, Mughdusyan Art Centre and others — were present at the event as well.

The recommendations submitted by the children will be compiled and incorporated in the National Strategy on Human Rights Protection and the National Strategy on Child Rights Protection.

Let us mention that the Centre organises events with children on a regular basis, making sure children are heard and participate in the process of making decisions that concern them.