UNICEF Representative Sends Letters to UN Regarding the Threats Against 19 Children Heading to Artsakh

The Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs of the National Assembly, non-partisan Takhuhy Tovmasyan, has stated: “I hosted a delegation led by Christine Waigand, the UNICEF representative in Armenia, in Parliament. I reiterated to Ms. Waigand the emotional and psychological abuse inflicted by Azerbaijan on the 19 Armenian children transferred from Armenia to Artsakh, which requires targeted assessment and condemnation by international organizations.

During the discussion, I also raised alarms regarding reports that officers from the Yerevan Erebuni Division of the Police have forcibly detained minor students, subjected them to beatings, and tortured them. UNICEF Representative Christine Waigand acknowledged that she is aware of the incident involving the bus transporting the 19 Armenian children to Artsakh amid an Azerbaijani incursion, and stated that she has sent my letters to the relevant UN bodies.

UNICEF is actively involved in developing a number of important legislative initiatives governing child protection. Expressing grave concern over instances of violence against minors, Ms. Waigand expressed hope that forthcoming legislative changes, which are already under interested discussions, will contribute to progress in preventing violence. During the meeting, we emphasized our readiness to deepen cooperation for the protection of children’s rights.”