We Have Made Effective Steps Towards Overcoming Poverty, Results Will Be Seen in 2020: Batoyan

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has taken effective steps towards overcoming poverty, and more serious results will be observed next year, stated Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaruhi Batoyan at a summary press conference today.

The minister noted that the poverty rate has already decreased by two digits and expressed confidence that this figure will be maintained.

"Overcoming poverty is not just a social sector issue; we mitigate poverty and prevent its deepening through social benefits, but eliminating poverty through benefits and support sounds very romantic. In other words, we need to create job opportunities and provide services based on need. I am confident that we have already made effective steps towards overcoming poverty, and I believe we will see much more serious results in 2020, but that is not just the responsibility of one sector,” she said.

Batoyan also mentioned that they have reviewed the services provided for individuals with disabilities, and they already have a preliminary list that includes the institution of personal assistants or escorts.

In response to journalists' inquiries, the minister also addressed the legal violations related to the adoption of children from Armenia by foreigners, as well as the recent case of illegal adoption that has been revealed, indicating that she does not know any details regarding that case or who the arrested individuals are.

"We have only registered that there is a suspicious process; we have recorded the complaint and directed it to law enforcement bodies. Many citizens have approached us, mentioning that they are constantly trying to adopt children but are being told that there are no children available," she stated, adding that they frequently hear such responses.