CRC/C/15/Add.119
page 11
Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (art. 34)
54.
The Committee is concerned at the insufficient data and awareness of the phenomena of
sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Armenia, and the absence of a comprehensive and
integrated approach to prevent and combat these phenomena.
55.
The Committee recommends that the State party undertake a national study on the
nature and extent of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, and that
disaggregated data be compiled and kept up to date to serve as a basis for designing
measures and evaluating progress. The Committee recommends that the State party
review its legislation and ensure that it criminalizes the sexual abuse and exploitation of
children and penalizes all offenders, whether local or foreign, while ensuring that the child
victims of these practices are not penalized. The Committee recommends that the State
party ensure that domestic laws concerning the sexual exploitation of children are gender
neutral; provide civil remedies in the event of violations; ensure that procedures are
simplified so that responses are appropriate, timely, child-friendly and sensitive to victims;
include provisions to protect from discrimination and reprisals those who expose
violations; and vigorously pursue enforcement. Rehabilitation programmes and shelters
should be established for child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. There is a need for
trained personnel. The Committee recommends that the State party carry out awarenessraising campaigns to sensitize and mobilize the general public on the child’s right to
physical and mental integrity and safety from sexual exploitation. Bilateral and regional
cooperation should be reinforced, involving cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Administration of juvenile justice (arts. 37, 40 and 39)
56.
The Committee is seriously concerned at the absence of a system of juvenile justice in
Armenia, in particular the absence of special laws, procedures and juvenile courts. The
Committee expresses its concern at the length of pre-trial detention and the limited access to
visitors in this period; the use of detention not as a measure of last resort; the often
disproportionate length of sentences in relation to the seriousness of offences; conditions of
detention; and the fact that juveniles are often detained with adults. The Committee is also
concerned at the absence of facilities for the physical and psychological recovery and social
reintegration of juvenile offenders.
57.
The Committee recommends that the State party take all measures to fully integrate
into its legislation and practice the provisions of the Convention, in particular articles 37,
40 and 39, as well as other relevant international standards in this area, such as the Beijing
Rules, the Riyadh Guidelines and 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. Particular attention should be paid to ensure that the
deprivation of liberty is only used as a measure of last resort, that children have access to
legal aid and that children are not detained with adults. Facilities and programmes for the
physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of juveniles should be
developed.