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Armenia Ratifies European Convention on Child Abuse
Armenia has continued to steadily claim its place in the democratic international arena since the Velvet Revolution of 2018. However, this is not without ongoing internal struggles that often revolve around culture, mentality, national identity—and most intimately, familial norms.
As Armenia adapts to European legal standards and requirements, considerations regarding national values
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Very informative. The methods of implementation will determine whether Armenia’s reforms are sustainable. I believe Armenians will find their own path.
As a father of 6 and grandfather of 2, Its important for parents to teach their children the facts of life and even some unpleasant ones. The role of schools is to educate and to inform parents or indeed Social workers if a child is suddenly more withdrawn and morose. It is not right for schools to take on the role of sex educator outside the realm of biology lessons at minimum 12 years of age. Some of these UN inspired proposals impact upon our traditions and family life and so should be carefully explained to the public at large and only adopted following referendum.
How does this law impact upon traditions and family life particularly in relation to Armenians living in Armenia?
Are you saying domestic violence or child abuse is an Armenian tradition?
Regarding sex education in school.If the parent is responsible to educate the child in this matter how is the child to know what is right if the abuser is the parent?
Dear Sevag, the convention will impact Armenians living in Armenia in the most direct way. Once it is implemented, Armenia will have new criminal laws against sexual abuse of children, a helpline for victims, a school program that will address the dangers of sexual abuse, etc … People will have to discuss the matter with their children and among themselves – a process that has already begun.
I am not implying that domestic violence or child abuse is an Armenian tradition. These problems exist in Armenia as much as they exist anywhere else. However not discussing domestic violence or child abuse that happens within the family is an approach that is deeply rooted in our culture. Victims are often shamed and condemned for voicing their stories and the police are inactive. Not having the necessary laws in place for these specific crimes makes everything only much harder.
As for sex education, it has been part of the school curriculum in Armenia for the last 10 years. Due to the convention, the topic of sexual abuse and exploitation will soon become part of it. You are correct, we can not expect the parent to inform the child about the danger of the abuse if he/she is the abuser. That is why ratifying this convention was an important step and I hope Armenia will implement it in the most culturally sensitive way.
Dear Nuard I completely agree with what you have written and as with any country it must be implemented with consideration of the local culture. What annoys me is that Armenians ( well almost all) consider themselves as modern Europeans yet run away from implementing any of the conventions. They want the benefits of the European Union but without having to follow the rules.
The UK Brexit thing is a good example.