The Most Critical Issue is Child Poverty: Minister to UNICEF Representative

The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mesrop Arakelyan, held a working discussion today with Mariam Clark-Hatting, the representative of UNICEF in Armenia. During the conversation, the parties highlighted the necessity of programs aimed at the full realization of children’s rights, the importance of organizing support for children in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and the post-war situation, and the implementation of legislative reforms in the sector.

“Children are our most vulnerable beneficiaries. The most pressing issue we face is child poverty. In particular, the problem is more pronounced in large families,” Mesrop Arakelyan noted while detailing that one of the ministry's current priorities is to make social guarantees more targeted and effective for large families.

The minister also emphasized the need to identify the needs of children with disabilities and ensure their complete integration into society. “Children with disabilities are even more vulnerable, and we will do our utmost in this direction. Specifically, we will transition from the health assessment method to the functional assessment through the introduction of a new disability law,” the minister stated.

Expressing gratitude to the government and responsible bodies for their efforts that have significantly changed the protection of the rights of children with disabilities and addressed the issue of discrimination against them, Mariam Clark emphasized that while there have been many results, there is still much to be done.

She highlighted the importance of expert support in the development of children’s rights concepts, considering it within the context of compliance with international legal acts. According to Mariam Clark, UNICEF has conducted a needs assessment for around 35,000 families affected by the coronavirus pandemic and conflict, which can be useful for the implementation of upcoming programs.

During the meeting, the involvement of other partners and the expansion of collaboration in support programs aimed at the Nagorno-Karabakh community were also emphasized.