We must take action
"World Vision Armenia" international charity organization held the first round-table discussion in Aragatsotni province with the participation of competent bodies involved in the protection of children's rights.
According to program director of the committee of "World Vision Armenia" Elen Ispiryan, the purpose of the meeting was to help non-governmental organizations involved in children's rights protection to work more effectively and to clarify the government's approach.
According to head of Aragatsotni province Sargis Sahakyan, the province focuses on all children. "It is our duty and we must make sure they feel like full-fledged citizens of the Republic of Armenia and integrate into the society."
Head of the regional council's department of children's rights protection Gayane Danielyan mentioned the opposite. "The main reason why children are not in the focus is because there is no correct identification. Even if they are identified, we face difficulties in supporting everyone," says Gayane Danielyan.
What will be the results of such discussions without meetings with children? In response, a representative of the UN Children's Fund Kristina Rocella said that issues are not solved during such meetings, "but at least the issues are raised and can promote decision-makers' further actions and finding solutions."
Mayor of Aparan Gor Abrahamyan called on the participants of the meeting to take action. "We have to start taking action," said Abrahamyan, adding that there is no international organization taking concrete steps, for instance, renovating sports or music organizations of kindergartens in the communities. "By attending such centers, the children will more easily be kept away from the streets," said the mayor, adding that there is no kindergarten in Aparan.
Round-table discussions will be held in other provinces of Armenia as well.
The children in difficult situations make up only 10 percent of all children of the province. According to statistics of the previous year, there are 453 disabled children, 53 children with no caretakers, 27 minors at the police and 12 with no education.
