Serious Violation of Child's Privacy and Right to Remain Anonymous: Zaroui Batoyan

Disturbing reports regarding the rape and pregnancy of a 13-year-old girl are rapidly spreading on social networks, which constitutes a serious violation of the child's right to privacy and anonymity. This was stated by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaroui Batoyan in a Facebook post.

“A few days ago, one of the MPs visited a specialized orphanage in Gyumri and subsequently posted personal information related to the child's health and family on their Facebook page. Protecting children's rights in Armenia is a responsibility for all of us, and to achieve this, the departments of family, women's, and children's rights protection at the regional administration, the government, the parliament, the Human Rights Defender, public and international organizations, and the media must work closely together, but this cannot come at the expense of violating the child's interests,” her post reads.

She expressed hope that after clarifying the details of the case, appropriate measures would be taken to protect the child and their family members, provide proper support, and prevent such incidents in the future. “In the meantime, I urge everyone not to disseminate this video and to act in accordance with the principle of protecting the child's best interests,” she added.

It is important to note that in the village of Baghramyan in the Armavir region, a 13-year-old girl has become pregnant, with the fetus being approximately five months along. There are discussions in the village alleging that two boys, aged 13 and 14, have had sexual relations with the underage girl multiple times. The girl has reported that her classmates raped her.

The police department in Vagharshapat is preparing materials regarding the case.