Statement by Ms. Syuzanna Martirosyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Armenia, at the UNGA80 Third Committee, under the agenda item 67, entitled "Promotion and protection of the rights of children"

13 October, 2025

Mr. Chair,

Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and their protection must remain at the very heart of the global human rights agenda.

Guided by its international obligations and national priorities, Armenia continues to advance institutional, and policy reforms to ensure that every child grows and thrives in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Last year, Armenia underwent a constructive review by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and several important legislative initiatives are underway to further strengthen the national child protection framework.

The recently adopted UNICEF Country Programme Document for 2026–2030, focusing on nurturing care in early childhood, learning and skills development, and protection of the most vulnerable, including refugee and conflict-affected children, provides a strong framework for child-rights-based implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in close cooperation with international partners.

At the national level, the 2024–2029 Complex Programme on Child Rights Protection and the Demography Strategy for 2024–2040 reflect a forward-looking vision that goes beyond addressing vulnerability, aiming to create conditions in which every child can reach their full potential. These strategies emphasize family well-being and recognize that each child’s growth contributes directly to Armenia’s human capital and sustainable development. The new Law on the Rights of the Child and amendments to the Family Code establish a holistic approach based on prevention, early intervention, and community-based support. A core element of this framework is the creation of multidisciplinary child protection councils, designed to safeguard children’s rights and prevent difficult life situations.

The 2023–2027 Programme for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, which sets priorities for advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, includes measures specifically aimed at promoting social inclusion for children and combating discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes.

Having prioritized child health and nutrition, Armenia, in partnership with the World Food Programme, implements the “School Feeding Programme”, which links local farmers to school meal initiatives, strengthens local food systems, and fosters healthy lifestyles among children.

Recognizing the profound impact of climate change on children, Armenia is committed to effective climate action. Through sustainable development initiatives, environmental education, and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, we strive to promote a healthy and safe environment for all children. In 2024 in partnership with the UNICEF the Climate Change Youth Advisory Board adjacent to the Ministry of Environment has been established with the aim to empower adolescents and young people to actively engage in climate action initiatives in Armenia and equip its members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to addressing climate challenges.

Mr. Chair,

In recent years, Armenia has faced significant humanitarian challenges in hosting 115,000 refugees, including over 30,000 children. Nearly 17,000 forcibly displaced children have been integrated into public schools, receiving educational and psychosocial support. Working closely with the UN and development partners, Armenia has implemented targeted measures to address the immediate and long-term needs of refugee children. Our partnerships with UNICEF under the Refugee Response Plan, as well as UNESCO have strengthened child protection responses and supported the smooth integration of displaced children into the education system.

As a party to all core international instruments on the rights of the child, Armenia remains steadfast in fulfilling its international obligations and strengthening national systems to ensure the full and effective protection of children’s rights. These efforts are essential to realizing our broader vision of a child-friendly society and advancing the sustainable development, thereby laying the foundation for a just, inclusive, and dignified future for all.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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