Every one of us must take a child’s opinion into consideration and be guided by the best interest of the child when making decisions concerning the particular child. This is what the Office of the Human Rights Defender told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan today attended the first summit for children in Armenia. The event was hosted at the presidential residence of the Republic of Armenia, organized by UNICEF Armenia and gathered over 170 children from all parts of Armenia.

After the official opening of the event dedicated to World Children’s Day, the children were divided into five thematic groups to discuss the issues related to healthcare, education, social protection and environmental protection.

Arman Tatoyan met with the children from Armenia’s provinces, listened to them talk about their issues of concern and their proposed solutions. The children asked the Ombudsman questions about the best interest of the child, the right to participate in decision-making, the safety of children in the electronic environment and other issues.

“We attach importance to the child’s right to be heard. Everyone has to take a child’s opinion into consideration and be guided by the best interest of the child when making decisions related to the particular child,” the Ombudsman stated during his meeting with the children.