CRC/C/15/Add.225
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(c)
Conduct further research related to the occurrence of child trafficking and
strengthen regional cooperation with countries to which Armenian children are trafficked, and
consider seeking technical cooperation from, among others, UNICEF, ILO and the International
Organization for Migration in this respect.
68.
The Committee reiterates its concern about the situation of street children, who are
amongst the most marginalized groups of children in Armenia.
69.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party establish
mechanisms to ensure that these street children are provided with identity documents,
nutrition, clothing and housing. Moreover, the State party should ensure that these
children have access to health care; reintegration services for physical, sexual, and
substance abuse; services for reconciliation with families; comprehensive education,
including vocational and life-skills training; and access to legal aid. The State party should
cooperate and coordinate its efforts with civil society in this regard. The Committee also
recommends that the State party undertake a study on the nature and extent of the
phenomenon.
Administration of juvenile justice
70.
The Committee reiterates its concern about the absence of a system of juvenile justice, in
particular the absence of specific laws, procedures and juvenile courts. The Committee is also
concerned about: the length of pre-trial detention and the limited access to visitors during this
period; the use of detention not as a measure of last resort, and the often disproportionate length
of sentences in relation to the seriousness of offences; the conditions of detention; and the
absence of facilities for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of
juvenile offenders.
71.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party take all measures
to fully integrate into its legislation and practice the provisions of the Convention, in
particular articles 37, 39 and 40, as well as other relevant international standards in this
area, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of
Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of
Juvenile Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines), the United Nations Rules for the Protection
of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and the Vienna Guidelines for Action on Children in
the Criminal Justice System. In particular, the Committee encourages the State party:
(a)
To give priority attention to proposals to establish specific courts to deal with
all persons under the age of 18;
(b)
To develop and implement alternative measures to reduce the use and length
of pre-trial detention and other custodial sentences;
(c)
To ensure that the deprivation of liberty of juveniles is only used as a
measure of last resort, for the shortest possible time, and that children have access to legal
aid;