Not All Groups at Kharberd Orphanage Receive Meat Daily, Ombudsman Reports

The Human Rights Defender conducted an unannounced monitoring visit to the "Kharberd Specialized Orphanage" state non-commercial organization. The visit focused on the steps taken to address the issues identified during the 2020 visit, taking into account the information and clarifications provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia in 2021.

During the visit, it was noted that the institution faced challenges, particularly with the supply of certain types of food products. Due to the processes involved in centralized purchasing, the stock of meat had been exhausted on the day of the visit, and an examination of the menu from the previous month indicated that not all groups received meat on a daily basis.

As of the visit day, the available flour supply could only support the baking of bread for about one and a half days. The institution had no information on the scheduled dates for the supply of essential products and food items. Given the gravity of the situation, the Defender plans to discuss it with the relevant state authorities as a matter of urgency.

Observations during the visit also indicate that several systemic issues identified during both this and the prior visit remain unresolved. Notably, the inadequate staffing situation persists. In particular, the number of professionals working with the children, including caretakers, is insufficient for effectively organizing the tasks, which negatively impacts the rights of both the children and staff.

Currently, each group is provided care and support primarily for 13-15 children, with only one educator and one caregiver or nurse on duty at a time. This situation makes it difficult to simultaneously feed children who cannot self-serve. Due to staff shortages, it is not always possible to accommodate a child’s need for rest or organize their time outside for relaxation or calming walks, particularly when there are not enough caregivers to attend to the group’s needs.

The problem is exacerbated when there is a need to accompany a child to a medical institution or provide care during their hospital stay. The staff, already working under physically and psychologically demanding conditions, is further burdened in these scenarios. The care for the children and organization of their meals is primarily maintained through mutual support among the staff and their commitment to their work.

In connection with this issue, the Ministry had previously stated in 2021 that “The issue of worker hours and salaries is constantly under the Ministry's attention. A redistribution aimed at increasing orphanage workers' salaries was carried out in accordance with the Ministry's decision No. 601-N dated April 23, 2020.” Currently, there are 68 caregivers and 11 non-shift caregivers, 21 educators, and 32 nurses employed as per the established schedule.

During the visit, the institution reported that a proposal for salary review had been submitted by the ministry. However, current information indicates that no increase in staff positions is planned. According to best international practices, the most effective “child-staff” ratio is one caregiver for every six children, particularly when the children are young or have self-care difficulties.

The rooms and dormitories are overcrowded, and the overall area of the rooms does not always correspond to the number of children. Since the 2020 visit, it has been noted that this institution is designed for the care and protection of 220 children, while currently, it accommodates 236 children (167 minors and 69 adults). This issue is further complicated by the unresolved rights of those over 18 living in such facilities, whose care cannot be arranged in other establishments.

This issue has been raised multiple times by the Human Rights Defender, and according to information discussed during working meetings, the Armenian government plans to address this issue through the provision of services in small homes, families, or community-based alternatives designed to transition individuals with disabilities out of institutions.

However, it must be specifically noted that the prolonged lack of resolution to this issue is troubling from the perspective of the state's compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Moreover, records of the use of restraint and isolation measures are not being maintained as required. It is necessary to ensure that the internal requirements for the practical application of physical restraint, isolation measures, and calming methods are met in the institution to assess their legitimacy.

Following the 2020 visit, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs clarified that a discussion with a representative from the Ministry of Health was planned regarding the aforementioned issue, aiming to find suitable solutions before taking further action. In response to the Defender’s suggestion for necessary retraining of staff, the Ministry indicated that training would be organized after the planned measures.

Nevertheless, it is observed that the issue continues to be relevant. It must be emphasized that both the issues documented during the visit and others are systemic in nature, and their negative impact is largely mitigated by the diligence and dedication of the institution's staff.

It is also important to note that further efforts have continued after the last visit regarding internal decoration and renovation, as well as the implementation of rehabilitation programs aimed at creating a child-centered and needs-focused environment. Where possible, considering the institution's overcrowding, staff shortages, and the specific needs of the children, dormitories have been separated according to the sex and age composition of the children in certain groups.

Particularly commendable are the steps taken by the institution for successful experience exchange with other institutions and the provision of rehabilitative services to individuals with disabilities by various organizations. For instance, hippotherapy services are also utilized by beneficiaries of another public organization that supports individuals with mental and psychological health issues.

The outcomes of the monitoring are in the summarization phase. The identified issues and others will be sent to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia and the director of the institution with proposals for solutions and requests for further clarification.