Children from all marzes of Armenia voice their rights ahead of World Children’s Day

YEREVAN, 19 November 2022: To mark World Children’s Day in Armenia, UNICEF joined hands with the Human Rights Defender’s Office in Armenia to support the launch of HRDO Children and Youth Advisory Council, which will contribute to independent child rights monitoring of the country and strengthen children’s rights to express their opinions and participate in decisions that concern them. This is an important milestone for children’s participation in Armenia as it is the first time that such an advisory council is formally established.

From 18 to 20 November, UNICEF and HRDO will familiarize the members of the Advisory Council with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Constitution and legal framework related to child rights in Armenia. With the support of the European Union, and at the request of the members of the Advisory Council, UNICEF and HRDO will also ensure capacity building for the members in evidence generation, public speaking and advocacy, as well as mental health with a focus on dealing with bullying.

The Advisory Council members were joined by UNICEF supporter and Junior Eurovision winner Malena.  “It is time for us, children and adolescents, to voice our rights and issues with more confidence and demand action and solutions from adults to ensure that every right is accessible for every child. I am pleased to meet with HRDO Advisory Council members and I wish effective work to the Council,” shared Malena.

The weekend will culminate in the first formal session of the Advisory Council on 20 November, concluding with a question and answer session with decision makers from various line-Ministries and other governmental bodies.