ARMENIA: Persistent violations of children's rights

Summary: The violations highlighted are those issues raised with the State by more than one international mechanism. This is done with the intention of identifying children's rights which have been repeatedly violated, as well as gaps in the issues covered by NGOs in their alternative reports to the various human rights monitoring bodies. These violations are listed in no particular order.

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Children living on the streets

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, January 2004)

The Committee reiterates its concern about the situation of street children, who are amongst the most marginalised groups of children in Armenia.

The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party establish mechanisms to ensure these street children are provided with identity documents, nutrition, clothing, and housing. Moreover, the State party should ensure these children have access to health care; reintegration services for physical, sexual, and substance abuse; services for reconciliation with families; comprehensive education, including vocational and life-skills training; and access to legal aid. The State party should cooperate and coordinate its efforts with civil society in this regard. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake a study on the nature and extent of the phenomenon. (Paragraphs 68 and 69)

UN Human Rights Committee
Last reported: 26 October 1998
Concluding Observations adopted: 2 and 4 November 1998

The Committee is concerned as to the existence of the phenomenon of street children in Armenia.

The Committee urges the state party to:

(a) Address this issue under article 24 of the Covenant. (Paragraph 17)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.46. Establish effective mechanisms to address the problems faced by street children (Kazakhstan); (accepted)

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Inadequate sexual and reproductive health education

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, January 2004)

The Committee reiterates its concern regarding the high incidence of teenage pregnancies and the consequent high rate of abortions among girls under 18, especially illegal abortions. Furthermore, while the incidence of HIV remains low in the State party, the Committee is concerned about the lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among young people. The Committee welcomes, in this regard, legislative measures taken in the area of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention in 2002, such as the Reproductive Health and Human Reproductive Rights Act, the approval of the National Strategy to Combat HIV/AIDS in 2002, and the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Council for HIV/AIDS Prevention.

The Committee recommends that State party reinforce its efforts to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, including by ensuring that adolescents are provided with reproductive health education and child-friendly counselling services. (Paragraphs 47 and 48)

UN Human Rights Committee
Last reported: 16 and 17 July 2012

The Committee is concerned about the rising practice of sex-selective abortions reflecting a culture of gender inequality. (arts. 2, 3, and 26).

The State party should adopt legislation to prohibit sex selection and tackle the root causes of prenatal sex selection through the collection of reliable data on the phenomenon, the introduction of mandatory gender-sensitivity training for family planning officials, and the development of awareness raising campaigns among the public. (Paragraph 9)

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Last reported: 22 and 23 November 1999
Concluding Observations adopted: 1 December 1999

In addition, the Committee is alarmed by the fact that abortion remains the most commonly used means of family planning in the country owing, in particular, to inadequate education and the high cost of contraceptives.

The Committee urges the State party to:

(a) Set up family planning programmes for women, in particular to decrease the incidence of abortion, along with programmes for the prevention and treatment of cancer;

(b) Take measures which will promote employment for women and their greater participation in public life. (Paragraphs 15 and 19)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 23 January 2009

The Committee is concerned about the insufficient access to adequate general health-care services as well as reproductive health-care services for women, especially those living in rural and remote areas, and that the rates of abortion have in fact risen, so that it still seems to be one of the most widespread methods of family planning within the State party. The Committee is also concerned about the high rate of teenage pregnancies and regrets the lack of data in regard to number of deaths due to illegal abortions.

The Committee urges the State party to:

(a) Continue to take measures to improve women's access to general health care, and to reproductive health-care services in particular;

(b) Increase its efforts to improve the availability of sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, to mobilise resources for that purpose and to monitor the actual access to those services by women;

(c) Promote family planning and reproductive health education targeted at girls and boys, with special attention to the prevention of early pregnancies of underage girls including the control of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. (Paragraphs 34 and 35)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.13. Expand the prorgramme to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, in particular in remote areas (Kyrgyzstan); continue its efforts to promote public knowledge about HIV/AIDS, particularly among young people (Islamic Republic of Iran); (accepted)

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Discriminatory minimum age of marriage

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, January 2004)

The Committee reiterates the concern expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (A/57/38) that the different minimum legal age for marriage, set at 18 for men and 17 for women, contravenes the principle of non- discrimination.

The Committee recommends that the State party to raise the minimum age for marriage for girls so that it be equal to the minimum age set for boys. (Paragraphs 21 and 22)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 23 January 2009

The Committee reiterates the concern expressed in the Committee's previous concluding observations (A/57/38) and in the Committee on the Rights of the Child's concluding observations (CRC/C/15/Add.225) that the different minimum legal age for marriage, set at 18 for men and 17 for women, constitutes discrimination against women.

The Committee urges the State party to:

(a) Ensure that the minimum age of marriage is raised for women to 18, and to remove any exceptions to this minimum age, in accordance with article 16 of the Convention and the Committee's general recommendation No. 21. (Paragraphs 14 and 15)

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Trafficking of children

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, January 2004)

The Committee welcomes the recent efforts made by the State party to combat the phenomenon of trafficking and sale of children in the State party, including the establishment of an inter-agency commission to deal with trafficking in women and children and the amendment of the criminal code in April 2003 whereby trafficking and sexual exploitation are made specific criminal offences. However, the Committee notes hat a comprehensive policy to combat trafficking in women, girls and boys is still lacking. Furthermore the Committee is concerned that refugee children and children living in orphanages may be particularly at risk.

The Committee recommends the State party to:

(a) Adopt and ensure the effective implementation of the National Program to Combat Trafficking, which is currently under consideration, taking into account the Declaration and Agenda for Action and the Global Commitment adopted at the 1996 and 2001 World Congresses against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and the recommendations by CEDAW in this respect (A/56/38 para 97);

(b) Adopt measures to reduce vulnerability of children, especially refugee children and children living in orphanages, to traffickers and establish crisis centres, telephone helplines and social reintegration programmes for victims of trafficking and/or sexual exploitation;

(c) Conduct further research related to the occurrence child trafficking and strengthen regional cooperation with countries to which Armenian children are trafficked and consider seeking technical cooperation of, inter alia, UNICEF, ILO and IOM in this respect. (Paragraphs 66 and 67)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 23 January 2009

While welcoming the measures taken by the State party to combat human trafficking, including through amendments to the Criminal Code criminalising trafficking in persons for both labour and sexual exploitation and the adoption of the 2007-2009 national action plan to combat human trafficking, the Committee is concerned about the growth in the phenomenon and the fact that there are insufficient measures to address the main causes of trafficking such as economic hardship and prevalence of the stereotypical gender roles and gender inequality. It is further concerned about the lack of protection for women at risk of trafficking, limited support and lack of shelters for the victims, and that the stigma these women are facing hampers their reintegration into society. The Committee regrets the very limited data with regard to the trafficking of women and teenagers for sexual exploitation and is particularly concerned by the absence of information regarding the outcome of the various measures taken in this regard.

The Committee calls upon the State party to:

(a) Effectively implement its national action plan to combat trafficking in persons for the period 2007-2009;

(b) Effectively enforce article 132 of the Criminal Code;

(c) Take measures addressing the main causes of trafficking in order to further curb the phenomenon;

(d) Further expand its funding for shelters for victims of both gender-based violence as well as of trafficking, which it has initiated in 2009, and take all the necessary steps to ensure the rehabilitation and social reintegration of victims of trafficking. (Paragraphs 24 and 25)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.24. Continue its efforts with regard to the trafficking in human beings, through the elaboration of the third national action plan for 2010-2012, and take further steps to improve assistance to the victims of trafficking (Bosnia and Herzegovina); reinforce measures aimed at punishing and preventing the trafficking in persons and supporting victims (Argentina); fulfil its intention to develop and adopt a national programme for 2010-2013 to counter the trafficking in persons, and actively cooperate in the international arena on that issue (Belarus); actively pursue efforts to prevent trafficking, including through information campaigns for the general public, including children, aimed at promoting awareness of the dangers associated with all forms of trafficking and to ensure protection and assistance for the victims of trafficking, with full respect for their human rights (Germany); strengthen research on the occurrence of child trafficking and regional cooperation with countries to which Armenian children are trafficked (Poland); build on its existing legal framework by devoting additional resources to providing assistance to victims of trafficking (Canada); establish special services and reintegration programmes for victims of trafficking (Poland); (accepted)

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Barriers to access to education and discrimination within the education system

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of a State programme for the development of education over the period 2001-2005, centred on raising the level of education and broadening the involvement of children in the system. The Committee also welcomes the announced increase in funds allocated to education in the budget for 2004-2006 and the provision of school supplies to poor children under the programme “When September Comes”. However, it is concerned that budget allocations to the education sector remain low and that public under-financing has led to an increase in user payment, despite the fact that citizens are guaranteed free primary and secondary education under Armenian law. The Committee reiterates in this regard its concern that low wages have forced teachers to offer private tuition, creating a two-tier system of education. The Committee is also concerned about the low rate of early childhood education and the high rates of non-attendance, absenteeism, and drop-out in primary and secondary education. Moreover, in line with the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD/C/61/CO/1), the Committee expresses its concern about inadequate access by minority children to education in their mother tongue.

The Committee recommends the State party to:

(a) Allocate the required resources (human, technical and financial) to ensure access to quality education for all children, including the most vulnerable groups;

(b) Develop indicators for quality education and ensure that the quality of education is monitored and guaranteed;

(c) Continue efforts to remove obstacles of school attendance at all levels in order to keep all children in school and provide programs that bring drop-out students back in school or offer them other appropriate educational/vocational programmes;

(d) Direct greater efforts to improving the quality of teacher training programmes, and improving the school environment;

(e) Ensure, when possible, that children belonging to minority groups have access to education in their mother tongue;

(f) Seek assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF, UNESCO and relevant international NGOs. (Paragraphs 54 and 55)

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Last reported: 22 and 23 November 1999
Concluding Observations adopted: 1 December 1999

The Committee notes with concern the marked decline in the percentage of government allocations for education relative to allocations for other sectors. The Committee is also concerned about the increase of the fee-paying educational sector.

The Committee urges the State party to:

(a) Take measures to ensure that the quality of the Armenian education system is monitored and guaranteed, particularly in private educational institutions, which have increased in number. (Paragraphs 16 and 20)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Last reported: 28 February 2011 and 1 March 2011
Concluding Observations adopted: 10 March 2011

While commending the efforts undertaken by the State party in the area of education for national minorities, including the provision of education in their languages and courses on their native languages and literature, the Committee regrets that effective enjoyment of the right to education is not guaranteed for all children from national minorities and other vulnerable groups, such as refugees and asylum-seekers, and that very few of them achieve higher education despite the implementation of measures such as affording priority to candidates from national minorities who have passed the university entry exams. (art. 5)

The Committee encourages the State party to:

(a) Expand the implementation of the sample curriculum of general education schools of national minorities and the training of national minorities teachers;

(b) Consider providing language support in pre-school education in areas with compact minority population so as to facilitate the integration of minority pupils into mainstream education;

(c) Increase efforts to promote access to higher education for children from national minorities and other vulnerable groups.

(d) Provide detailed information, including disaggregated statistics on enrolment in primary, secondary and higher education of members of national minorities and other vulnerable groups in its next periodic report. (Paragraph 15)

UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Last reported: 23 January 2009

While noting that primary and secondary education in State educational institutions is free of charge, the Committee is concerned that, owing to a number of factors including significant poverty and social stereotypes concerning women's roles and responsibilities, there is a relatively high dropout rate especially of rural girls of ethnic minorities and underrepresentation of female students at doctoral level in institutions of higher education. The Committee is also concerned at the continuing concentration of women in traditional female subjects. The Committee is further concerned at the low number of women in academia, as professors, senior lecturers and researchers, and at the decision-making levels in the area of education.

The Committee urges the State party to:

(a) Address the obstacles which hamper girls in continuing their education;

(b) Hold seminars and awareness-raising activities with a focus on helping parents to understand the important role of education for girls;

(c) Implement special measures to allow girls and women who have dropped out of school to re-enter the education system in an age-appropriate classroom environment;

(d) Continue to review all school textbooks to eliminate gender-role stereotypes, and to implement programmes encouraging girls to enter non-traditional study courses;

(e) Adopt policies to increase the number of women holding positions in doctoral studies, at the highest levels of academia, as research specialists particularly in scientific fields and in decision-making positions at all levels of education. (Paragraphs 30 and 31)

Representative of the Secretary General on internally displaced persons
Country report: 31 October to 9 November 2000
Report published: 6 November 2001

Educational opportunities also have been severely curtailed. Some border villages have no functioning schools. Where school facilities do exist, 60 per cent require urgent renovation and 12 per cent of the buildings require basic renovation to make them usable at all. School buildings are considered to be in particularly poor condition in Tavoush and Sjunik marzes. Throughout the region, functioning nursery schools are very rare. Aside from the damage to or destruction of physical infrastructure, a number of other problems impede access to education. Qualified teachers are required for most of the schools; however, given the poor housing conditions in the area, few teachers are willing to live in the region. Pupils suffer from a lack of textbooks and other school supplies. Moreover, when it rains heavily, a number of the (dirt) roads are washed out and become impassable, making transportation very difficult. Under such conditions, which prevailed on the day of the Representative's visit, children are unable to attend school - as indeed was the case that day. The impact of the conflict on education has been devastating. The mayor of one village, lamenting that "children are lost in such conditions", explained that in the 10 years since the war, not a single child from the village had gone on to higher education, whereas 8-10 children routinely had done so during the pre-war (and Soviet) period. (Paragraph 29)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A- 93.25. adopt specific legislation punishing violence against children, including the prohibition of corporal punishment; move forward in taking the measures necessary for the registration of the highest possible number of births; support educational policies aimed at enabling girls to continue their education and eliminating stereotypes regarding gender roles; initiate awareness-raising programmes, particularly in rural areas, in order to change the tendency to value child labour more than education, and encourage access for minority children to education in their mother tongue (Uruguay); (accepted)

A - 93.41. Continue its efforts in these fields to improve access to education and health and to promote the rights of women and children (Lebanon); (accepted)

A - 93.42. Continue to implement programmes aimed at guaranteeing quality education and health services to its population, at all levels (Cuba); (accepted)

A - 93.47. Ensure that children belonging to all minority groups have equal access to education (Austria); adopt measures to ensure access for minority groups, especially children, to education in their mother tongue (Azerbaijan); (accepted)

A - 93.48. Continue to promote human rights education in school curricula at all levels (Djibouti); (accepted)

A - 93.51. Continue the consistent and successful policy aimed at ensuring the rights of all national minorities residing in the country, as well as support for their social, educational, informational and cultural needs (Belarus); (accepted)

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Inadequate juvenile justice system

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

The Committee reiterates its concern about the absence of a system of juvenile justice, in particular the absence of specific laws, procedures and juvenile courts. The Committee is also concerned about: the length of pre-trial detention and the limited access to visitors in this period; the use of detention not as a measure of last resort, and the often disproportionate length of sentences in relation to the seriousness of offences; the conditions of detention; and the absence of facilities for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juvenile offenders.

The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party take all measures to fully integrate into its legislation and practice the provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37, 39 and 40, as well as other relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines, the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and the Vienna Guidelines for Action on Children in the Criminal Justice System. In particular, the Committee encourages the State party to:

(a) Give priority attention to proposals of establishing specific courts to deal with all persons under the age of 18;

(b) Develop and implement alternative measures to reduce the use and length of pre-trial detention and other custodial sentences;

(c) Ensure that the deprivation of liberty of juveniles is only used as a measure of last resort, for the shortest possible time and that children have access to legal aid;

(d) Ensure that training of prosecutors, judges, lawyers and other involved in the administration of justice is carried out systematically and consistently;

(e) Develop programmes and provide facilities for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juveniles;

(f) Seek technical assistance in the area of juvenile justice and police training from, inter alia, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights, the Centre for International Crime Prevention, and UNICEF. (Paragraphs 70 and 71)

UN Human Rights Council
Last reported: 16 and 17 July 2012

The Committee is concerned at the limitations of the juvenile justice system, in particular the limited number of specialised judges, and the absence of information about special laws, procedures and court rooms. The Committee is also concerned at the absence of facilities for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juvenile offenders (arts. 14 and 24).

The State party should pursue its efforts to guarantee that the juvenile criminal justice system is provided with the necessary material and human resources. In this perspective, the State party should ensure that all professionals involved in the juvenile justice system are trained in relevant international standards, including the United Nations guidelines on justice in matters involving child victims and witnesses of crime (Economic and Social Council resolution 2005/20). The State party should also create specialised structures for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juvenile offenders. (Paragraph 23)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 94.19. Strengthen efforts to establish a system of juvenile justice in compliance with international standards, and take specific measures to protect the rights of children and persons in detention or in prison (Czech Republic); (accepted)

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Violence against children

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

While taking note that the Children’s Rights Act and the Criminal Code include provisions which protect children against violence and abuse, the Committee reiterates its concern that the State party has as yet not introduced legislative and other measures which specifically address the issue of violence against children. The Committee is concerned about the lack of data on cases of abuse, including sexual abuse and neglect, and ill treatment of children, which may occur in child institutions and families, as well as information on specific programmes of systematic control of mechanisms in place to avoid institutional impunity in cases of abuse and ill-treatment. It is also concerned at the lack of complaints mechanisms to which children could have recourse and the fact that only medical professionals are responsible for reporting cases of abuse and neglect.

The Committee encourages the State party to adopt specific legislation and take other measures to prevent violence against children in all circumstances, including corporal punishment. It also recommends that the State party strengthen programmes for the recovery and reintegration of abused children and establish adequate procedures and mechanisms to receive complaints, monitor, investigate and prosecute instances of ill-treatment. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that all people working with children, such as teachers and care personnel, are made responsible for reporting cases of abuse and neglect. The Committee recommends that the State party launch awareness-raising campaigns on the negative consequences of ill-treatment of children and promote positive, non- violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment, especially in the family, schools and other institutions and ensure that all people working with children, including law enforcement officials, judges and health professionals undergo training in how to identify, report and manage cases of ill-treatment. (Paragraphs 39 and 40)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.25. Intensify efforts to prevent and combat violence against children, including corporal punishment (Brazil); adopt specific legislation punishing violence against children, including the prohibition of corporal punishment; move forward in taking the measures necessary for the registration of the highest possible number of births; support educational policies aimed at enabling girls to continue their education and eliminating stereotypes regarding gender roles; initiate awareness-raising programmes, particularly in rural areas, in order to change the tendency to value child labour more than education, and encourage access for minority children to education in their mother tongue (Uruguay); (accepted)

A - 94.11. Adopt legislation and measures to prevent violence against women and children, including through the strengthening of its monitoring mechanism (Indonesia); (accepted)

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Corporal punishment

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, June 2004)

The Committee encourages the State party to adopt specific legislation and take other measures to prevent violence against children in all circumstances, including corporal punishment. It also recommends that the State party strengthen programmes for the recovery and reintegration of abused children and establish adequate procedures and mechanisms to receive complaints, monitor, investigate and prosecute instances of ill-treatment. The Committee urges the State party to ensure that all people working with children, such as teachers and care personnel, are made responsible for reporting cases of abuse and neglect. The Committee recommends that the State party launch awareness-raising campaigns on the negative consequences of ill-treatment of children and promote positive, non- violent forms of discipline as an alternative to corporal punishment, especially in the family, schools and other institutions and ensure that all people working with children, including law enforcement officials, judges and health professionals undergo training in how to identify, report and manage cases of ill-treatment. (Paragraphs 40)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.25. Intensify efforts to prevent and combat violence against children, including corporal punishment (Brazil); adopt specific legislation punishing violence against children, including the prohibition of corporal punishment; move forward in taking the measures necessary for the registration of the highest possible number of births; support educational policies aimed at enabling girls to continue their education and eliminating stereotypes regarding gender roles; initiate awareness-raising programmes, particularly in rural areas, in order to change the tendency to value child labour more than education, and encourage access for minority children to education in their mother tongue (Uruguay); (accepted)

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Child labour

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

The Committee notes with appreciation the information provided by the State party’s delegation that Armenia plans to ratify ILO Conventions Nos. 138 and 182, concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour following the adoption in 2004 of a new Labour Code. The Committee reiterates its concern that child labour is a problem in the State party, with an increasing number of children dropping out of school and taking up work in the informal sector, especially in agriculture. The Committee is concerned that there is little awareness about the negative consequences of child labour and that there are inadequate measures to address it in Armenia.

The Committee recommends that the State party ensure the effective implementation of the minimum age for admission to employment, set at age 16 in the Labour Code, and of other provisions prohibiting heavy and hazardous work for children under 18. Employers should be required to have and produce on demand proof of age of all children working on their premises. A national mechanism to monitor the implementation of standards at State and local levels should be established and empowered to receive and address complaints of violations. The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a national survey on the nature and extent of child labour. The Committee recommends that the State party carry out campaigns to inform and sensitise the general public, especially parents and children, of work hazards; and to involve and train employers’, workers’ and civic organisations; government officials, such as labour inspectors and law enforcement officials, and other relevant professionals. The State party should seek cooperation with relevant United Nations agencies, such as ILO and UNICEF, and NGOs in this regard. The Committee also encourages the State party to ratify ILO Conventions Nos. 138 and 182 as soon as possible. (Paragraph 60 and 61)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.39. Ensure the effective implementation of the minimum employment age set out in the Labour Code and of provisions prohibiting heavy and hazardous work for children (Holy See); (accepted)

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Sexual exploitation of children, particularly girls

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

While welcoming that penalties have been introduced under the Criminal Code for enticing girls into prostitution and keeping brothels, the Committee reiterates its concern at the insufficient data and awareness of the phenomena of sexual exploitation of children in Armenia, and the absence of a comprehensive and integrated approach to prevent and combat these phenomena. Furthermore, the Committee is deeply concerned that persons under 18 years of age engaged in prostitution are prosecuted under the Criminal Code, rather than assisted as victims.

The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party undertake a national study on the nature and extent of sexual exploitation of children, and that disaggregated data be compiled and kept up to date to serve as a basis for designing measures and evaluating progress. The Committee urges the State party to review its legislation with a view to ensuring that children engaged in prostitution are not criminalised, but rather seen as victims of their circumstances. In this regard the State party should ensure that proper social support structures are available to victims of sexual exploitation in the area of reintegration and recovery. The Committee recommends that the State party carry out awareness- raising campaigns to sensitise and mobilise the general public on the child’s right to physical and mental integrity and safety from sexual exploitation. Bilateral and regional cooperation should be reinforced, involving cooperation with neighbouring countries. (Paragraphs 64 and 65)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 94.13. Intensify measures to address factors driving women and girls into prostitution (Poland); (accepted)

A - 94.14. Continue efforts to prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children (Brazil); (accepted)

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Discrimination against vulnerable groups of children (including refugee children, children with disabilities and children living in rural areas)

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

Noting that discrimination is prohibited under the law, the Committee remains concerned at persistent de facto discrimination on the grounds of gender as well as discrepancies in the enjoyment of rights in relation to certain vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and refugee children, children living in rural areas, children from poor families, street children, and those living in institutions.

The Committee encourages the State party to ensure the effective enforcement of protective laws, undertake studies and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination, to sensitise society to the situation and needs of children within the society and particularly within the family. In this regard, the Committee requests that specific information be included in the next periodic report on the measures and programmes undertaken to follow up on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and taking into account the Committee’s General Comment No. 1 on article 29, paragraph 1, of the Convention (aims of education). (Paragraphs 23 and 24)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.15. Continue its efforts to address discrepancies in the enjoyment of rights by vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities, refugee children and children living in rural areas (Islamic Republic of Iran); (accepted)

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High rates of infant mortality and child malnutrition and inadequate related health care

UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (Concluding Observations, September 2004)

While welcoming the adoption in March 2003 of a programme to provide free medical care, including dental care, for children up to the age of 15 and free inpatient medical care to children belonging to underprivileged groups up to the age of 18, the Committee reiterates its concern regarding the deterioration in the health system in the State party following cuts in public expenditure on the health system. In this regard the Committee notes with concern that infant and maternal mortality remain high and that an increasing number of children and mothers suffer from malnutrition as a result of rising food prices and poverty. The Committee is also concerned about the continuous growth in tuberculosis morbidity among children and the deterioration in the collection and recording of statistical data on health.

The Committee urges the State party:

(a) Increase allocation of resources towards an effective primary health care system;

(b) Facilitate greater accessibility of health services, in particular in rural areas, including access to prenatal clinics and maternity hospitals;

(c) Take measures to reduce child and infant mortality and combat tuberculosis;

(d) Take measure to improve children’s nutrition, including education proper breastfeeding practices among mothers, and to remedy inequalities in access, availability and affordability of nutritious food;

(e) Take measures to educate the public on healthy eating habits, providing necessary supplementation to reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia among mothers and children;

(f) Strengthen data collection mechanism and provide the Committee with relevant disaggregated and comparative data on the state of children’s health;

(g) Continue cooperation with and seek assistance from, inter alia, UNICEF, WHO, the World Food Programme and civil society. (Paragraphs 45 and 46)

Universal Periodic Review (May 2010)

A - 93.44. Continue its efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality, saving mother and child (Holy See); (accepted)

A - 93.41. Continue its efforts in these fields to improve access to education and health and to promote the rights of women and children (Lebanon); (accepted)

A - 93.42. Continue to implement programmes aimed at guaranteeing quality education and health services to its population, at all levels (Cuba); (accepted)

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Countries

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