“National Assembly calls for criminalization of violence against children by parents to protect their rights, regardless of their social status”
According to discussions in the National Assembly on May 30, 2023, there is a need to criminalize violence against children by their parents. During a public hearing held by the Financial Law Department of the Presidential Administration, Artur Hovhannisyan, the head of the “Citizenship Contract” group, appealed to Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan, arguing that violence against children should be harshly punished in accordance with international standards. Hovhannisyan emphasized that it didn’t matter what profession the parents belonged to, whether they were law enforcement officials, judges, teachers, programmers, or others. He stressed that individuals who became victims of violence should be protected, and their children should not suffer from violence.
In response, Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan stated that the protection of children’s rights was a top priority. She highlighted that children of government officials often faced violence and abuse globally, and there was a prevalent lack of accountability for such acts. Manasyan pointed out that not only government officials but also various non-governmental stakeholders were involved in committing acts of violence. Regarding government officials, she emphasized that the use of violence should be limited to exceptional circumstances in order to bring order to their behavior.
Overall, there is a growing recognition of the importance of criminalizing violence against children by their parents. The discussions in the National Assembly shed light on the need to punish such acts in accordance with international standards. It is crucial to protect all individuals, regardless of their parents’ professions, and ensure that no child is subjected to violence. Ombudsman Anahit Manasyan has made it clear that the safeguarding of children’s rights is a matter of great importance, particularly considering the prevalence of violence against children of government officials. By addressing this issue, steps can be taken towards accountability and the establishment of order in such cases.
SOURCE: NEWS.am
