CRC/C/15/Add.119
page 10
49.
In the light of article 38 and other relevant articles of the Convention, the
Committee recommends that the State party at all times ensure respect for human rights
and humanitarian law aimed at the protection and care of children in armed conflict, and
provide care and physical rehabilitation and psychological recovery measures for these
children. The Committee also recommends that the State party refrain from conscripting
children into the armed forces.
Economic exploitation (art. 32)
50.
The Committee is concerned that the negative effects of the current economic crisis has
resulted in an increasing number of children dropping out of school and taking up work. The
Committee also expresses its concern at the existence of children working in the informal sector,
especially in agriculture, many of whom are working in hazardous conditions. The Committee is
concerned that there is little awareness about the negative consequences of child labour and that
there are inadequate measures to address it in Armenia.
51.
The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that the minimum age for
admission to employment is enforced. Employers should be required to have and produce
on demand proof of age of all children working on their premises. A national mechanism
to monitor the implementation of standards at State and local levels should be established
and empowered to receive and address complaints of violations. The Committee
recommends that the State party undertake a national survey on the nature and extent of
child labour. The Committee recommends that the State party carry out campaigns to
inform and sensitize the general public, especially parents and children, of work hazards;
and to involve and train employers’, workers’ and civic organizations; government
officials, such as labour inspectors and law enforcement officials, and other relevant
professionals. The State party should seek cooperation with relevant United Nations
agencies, such as ILO and UNICEF, and NGOs in this regard. It is also recommended that
the State party ratify ILO Convention No. 138 concerning the Minimum Age for
Admission to Employment, and No. 182 concerning the prohibition and Immediate Action
for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
Drug abuse (art. 33)
52.
The Committee is concerned about the increasing use and traffic in illicit drugs, and the
alarming rates of tobacco use among persons under 18 years.
53.
The Committee recommends that the State party develop a national drug control
plan, or a Master Plan, with the guidance of United Nations Drug Control Programme
(UNDCP). The Committee encourages the State party to continue its efforts to provide
children with accurate and objective information about substance use, including tobacco
use; and to protect children from harmful misinformation through comprehensive
restrictions on tobacco advertising. The Committee further recommends that the State
party develop rehabilitation services for children who are victims of substance abuse. The
Committee recommends cooperation with and assistance from WHO and UNICEF.