On June 30, in Geneva RA Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan had a meeting with UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of the Independent States Ms. Marie-Pierre Poirier.
During the meeting, the parties stressed the importance of conducting intensive preventive activity by the Human Rights Defender aimed at protection of the rights of children. In particular, they focused on the issues related to continuous improvement of conditions of keeping minors in closed institutions, holding monitoring visits to such places and, as a result, elaborating relevant recommendations within the context of cooperation with UNICEF They also discussed the problem of activity on basis of a child’s best interest concept.
The parties especially underlined the creation of a Department for Children’s Rights Protection in the Ombudsman’s Office in June, 2016, in accordance with the UN recommendations. Establishment of such a division will enable to carry out relevant activity most effectively, and to be more deeply integrated in the works of international structures, occupied with protection of children’s rights.
Arman Tatoyan highly estimated the level of cooperation with the Armenian office of UNICEF.
He pointed out the need of implementation of projects aimed at continuous development of capacities the RA Human Rights Defender’s office. The work with representatives of public organizations and mass media was also highlighted.
The parties agreed to continue active cooperation by holding joint events, ensuring participation of their representatives in such events, conducting joint studies of the issues, related to children’s rights protection, and presenting recommendations and proposals aimed at elimination of violation of children’s rights.