The Church on the Lanzarote Convention

On May 11, the National Assembly ratified the Council of Europe’s "Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse." The opinions regarding the convention among the public and professional circles are highly diverse, even contradictory, and discussions, accompanied by sharp debates, continue even after its ratification.

Particularly, contradictory assessments have been voiced by parliamentarians, lawyers, child psychologists, other specialists, and simply parents. Regarding the legality of the convention and its potential consequences, Aysor.am sent an inquiry to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, to which the Director of the Information System of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Fr. Vahram Melikyan, responded as follows:

"Any step aimed at protecting our children and their rights, and the ratification of the 'Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse' is fundamentally important. Of course, the subject is sensitive, as it directly concerns our young generation, and in this case, any shortcomings are unacceptable. This aspect has conditioned the debates surrounding the said convention, the concerns articulated by lawyers, psychologists, sexologists, and educators, as well as the criticisms voiced.

In this regard, the Armenian Church values all efforts made to ensure proper education, sensible upbringing, and guarantee for our children. This, of course, also pertains to sexual education. In connection with the issue, it should be noted that a number of discussions have taken place at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. We have also received requests from believers. While considering the legal regulations touched upon by the Lanzarote Convention and raising the highlighted issues, nonetheless, taking into account the evident sensitivity of the material, it would be useful to note that before the ratification of the convention, efforts should have been made to organize public hearings, provide necessary clarifications to the public, and address the concerns expressed by various field specialists, which mainly, for example, relate to the concept of 'sexual orientation' in the convention concerning children, as well as the implementation of educational programs regarding the dangers of sexual exploitation and sexual violence during elementary and secondary education.

The uncertainty and lack of minimum information about the necessary steps for the implementation of the convention do not contribute to calming tensions or resolving unnecessary debates.

The responsibility in the protection of children belongs to all of us, so there is no need to insult, criticize, and condemn each other. The vigilance and enthusiasm displayed by specialists in such matters is commendable. Collectively, by bringing together the potential of all responsible and competent individuals, with the joint efforts of appropriate public organizations, the Church, and the state, we must ensure the best for the children—our country and nation’s future.

The Armenian Church will pursue ensuring that the educational programs for children align with our people's national thinking, value system, and contribute to strengthening their spiritual and intellectual potential, and in this regard, the Mother See is always ready to cooperate with relevant bodies to implement the education and upbringing of our children in the best possible way."