Human Rights Defender Notes Violations of Children's Rights During Political Gatherings

In the context of the snap parliamentary elections, the Human Rights Defender has recorded problematic situations related to the participation of children in political gatherings that violate their best interests.

1. There is serious concern regarding children’s participation in pre-election rallies where hate speech and offensive language are used, along with words associated with violence. There have also been instances of profanity being publicly uttered in the presence of children. For example, the acting Prime Minister made statements during a campaign in the Agarak community of Syunik Province, where children were present, such as: "…after June 20, we will definitely come after them, and all those criminal scum will lie on the asphalt" and "if certain rural riffraff officials understand only the language of force, then the Republic of Armenia will speak to them in that same language. And I promise you, all those riffraff will be lying on the asphalts of Agarak." In this context, it is especially unacceptable to make such calls during election campaigns in the presence of children, creating an atmosphere of hatred for them as well. Children are particularly vulnerable as they can rapidly internalize such language. Parents, guardians, and other responsible individuals must consider the appropriateness of involving children in political gatherings in light of these facts.

2. The ongoing monitoring by the Human Rights Defender’s office has noted publications regarding the participation of teachers and students in pre-election rallies in various regions, where administrative leverage was exercised under the direction of school principals. Videos circulated in different public sources indicate statements by school principals and teachers regarding organized groups being involved during class hours. For instance, in one video released by the media, a teacher participating in the campaign of the acting Prime Minister noted, in response to a journalist’s question about whether he had been informed about the meeting in advance, "Of course! I came to avoid falling out of the principal’s sight. What more could I do? I came, but I'm not participating; I'm not participating mentally." In response to a journalist’s question about the involvement of teachers and students during class hours at the same pre-election gathering in Little Vedi, the principal stated, "The whole team applied for some minor reductions in lessons; we completed all lessons and participated…" At another rally for the acting Prime Minister in the village of Arevshat in Ararat Province, groups of directors, teachers, and students were also present, with the principal commenting that "the children wanted to participate, we decided to let them, no problem, immediately after, we’ll go to class." One teacher also confirmed that "there are no children, mainly teachers are there. The classrooms are split; some are at home today, not in class; they are more. Those who are in class will go to class." Thus, the teacher confirmed that some students are participating in the campaign during class hours. This situation is particularly problematic from the perspective of ensuring students' right to education.

3. It was also recorded that several kindergarten directors in Goris were given instructions to ensure participation in a pre-election rally of the 'Armenia' bloc on June 8. In a recorded phone conversation, a director of one of the Goris kindergartens disclosed that they received instructions regarding participation. The monitoring has also documented an instance where a kindergarten's Facebook page shared information about the time and place of the ruling party's campaign. Local self-government bodies and institutions under their authority, including kindergartens, should refrain from publishing materials aimed at influencing public support for any political party.

4. The monitoring has noted instances of children circulating clothing with propaganda slogans, carrying placards, sticking or tearing posters, distributing flyers for various parties, applauding during campaigns, and making specific political chants at the urging of others. For example, in Ararat, Byureghavan, Masis, and Vorotan, groups of children were prompted by the acting Prime Minister and others to chant slogans in support of the ruling party during the campaign. Instances of children being involved in the distribution of flyers were also recorded.

5. Incidents were noted where children burned caps with slogans of the 'Bright Armenia' party, filming and sharing it online, a matter of serious concern that exacerbates the climate of hatred already prevalent during the election campaign, including among children, which does not align with the best interests of the children. Moreover, at the beginning of the video, one child inquires about which party's cap they are burning, indicating that many children do not fully comprehend the nature and purpose of their actions. In contrast, they wear shirts identifiable with specific political forces and make calls supporting that political force.

6. Regarding political advertising campaigns, instances were recorded where children posed with party flyers and posters, and their photos were circulated on the party’s Facebook pages. For example, a photo of a child holding a flyer from the Prosperous Armenia party was posted on the Facebook page of the party’s Aparan territorial organization. In accordance with international standards, children’s informed, conscious, and voluntary participation is essential for political gatherings. Parents' and guardians' awareness, consent, and supervision of this process are crucial. Children must be protected from situations where they are used by political figures as mere props for their campaigns during electoral periods. Children should not be engaged as a 'background' in events organized by political parties during pre-election periods (sitting, standing, or otherwise). It is problematic when children are brought to welcome political figures with bread and salt. The purpose of this behavior is unclear. Why are children specifically involved, and why can’t adults do it? It is evident that there is a factor here involving the use of children for various political or other purposes. The Defender notes that while there is no prohibition against children's participation in peaceful gatherings, it is of utmost importance to ensure the proper implementation of children's rights to express their opinions freely in such gatherings. Nonetheless, the question of children's participation in meetings and events should give priority to the best interests of the child, considering specific situations. The best interests of the child must always be regarded as an absolute value, and failing to adhere to them is a violation of children’s rights.