Discussions in Kapan over violence against children

KAPAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS: Issues over violence against children were discussed today in Kapan within the framework of “Let’s join for the good of children: Let’s save the future” program implemented by “Save the Children” organization in 3 communities of Syunik – Kapan, Goris and Sisian.

According to the programs coordinator Guram Matiashvili, the program has a goal to support the activity of state governing, local self-governing bodies and community structures in revealing and solving issues concerning children in some establishments – care centers, children houses, criminal executive establishments for children.

The program has just launched in the province: it suggests an establishment of mechanisms, which will ensure the defense of children at schools, kindergartens, care centers, etc.

Teams for defense of children have already been set up, in which representatives of establishments dealing with children are involved. The representatives of the local NGOs participating in the meeting said that in Kapan children experience psychological and physical violence both at home, at schools and at the court and the socially insecure state of families mainly promotes this.

The participants of the meeting are of the opinion that a psychological center must be set up in Kapan for extending support to suchlike children. The child experienced violence can apply here and get corresponding aid. The three-year program is funded by the European Union and Open Society Institute.