I-Newswire.com (press release)
March 23 2005

UNICEF Applauds Armenian Ratification of CRC Optional Protocol on the
Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan today signed the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of
children, child prostitution and child pornography, ratified by the
National Assembly of Armenia on 28 February 2005.

i-Newswire, 2005-03-24 – ~SThe commercial sexual exploitation of
children is a horrific crime and an intolerable violation of child
rights,~T says Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Armenia. ~SThe
ratification of this Protocol is a major step forward in the campaign
to protect the children of this country from sexual exploitation and
abuse. With its ratification, Armenia joins a transnational
partnership to tackle this global crime.~T

The Protocol applies to children under the age of 18 and obliges
ratifying countries to take measures to prevent, investigate and
punish cases of sexual exploitation and sale of children and provide
victims with proper counseling and rehabilitation.
~SUNICEF estimates that over one million children worldwide enter the
multi-billion dollar commercial sex trade every year, though accurate
statistics are hard to come by given the clandestine nature of this
industry, says Yett. ~SIt is clear that this is a global scourge,
affecting every country in the world, including Armenia.~T
These exploited children are at increased risk of violence, drug
abuse, and disease ~V including HIV/AIDS. The damage endures long
after the violations; sexually exploited children suffer harm ~V
sexual, physical and emotional ~V that can last a lifetime.
The Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and
child pornography was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly on 25 May
2000. Armenia~Rs ratification brings the total number of ratifying
countries up to 88.
~SWe will continue to support the Government of Armenia in its efforts
to build a protective environment for children, including the
measures required as a result of this ratification,~T says Yett. ~SThe
National Assembly is now considering the second Optional Protocol to
the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which addresses the
involvement of children in armed conflict. We urge its speedy
ratification.~T
###

UNICEF began working in Armenia in 1994. UNICEF is mandated by the UN
General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children~Rs rights,
to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to
meet their full potential.

For further information:
Emil Sahakyan, Communication Officer, UNICEF Yerevan, tel: ( +374 1 ) 523 546
esahakyan@unicef.org
Angela Hawke, UNICEF Regional Office for CEE/CIS, tel: ( +41 22 ) 909 5433

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress