Children Participating in Gatherings Seen in Videos: Ministry Issues Statement

The process of ensuring children's participation in peaceful gatherings is regulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Law on the Rights of the Child of the Republic of Armenia. However, in recent days, some videos circulating on the internet have raised serious concerns regarding the best interests of the child, as stated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia.

“Dear citizens,
In the videos, children are seen participating in gatherings where not only is hate speech heard in their presence, but the children are literally repeating the same. As the coordinating body in the field of child issues, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs finds it unacceptable for children to be involved in hate speech, calls for violence, or to be drawn into political processes.

We urge the parents and guardians of children to strictly adhere to their best interests. Children should only participate in gatherings when they are of an age and maturity that allows them to understand their participation and to exercise that right appropriately,” the statement reads.