🚨 URGENT The Public Monitoring Group has submitted an official request to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, urging the Ministry to assist in arranging a visit between detainee H.S., currently held at Nubarashen Penitentiary, and his two minor children. During the monitoring visit conducted on 6 June 2026, H.S. informed the Group that he had been on a hunger strike for approximately 26 days. According to his statement, one of the reasons for the hunger strike is the inability to maintain contact and meet with his children. According to H.S.: His two minor children are currently living in a childcare institution in Kapan. He has been unable to see them for approximately six months. Despite submitting multiple requests, no visit with his children has been arranged to date. ⚖️ The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the legislation of the Republic of Armenia require that the best interests of the child be the primary consideration in all decisions concerning children. Children have the right to maintain contact with their parents, and public authorities are obliged to facilitate that contact whenever there are no legal obstacles preventing it. The Public Monitoring Group Calls on the Competent Authorities to: ✅ Assess the best interests of the children. ✅ Examine the possibility of arranging a visit. ✅ Ensure the restoration of contact between the children and their father. The best interests of the child must remain the primary consideration in every decision affecting children. Mentions @подписчики Democracy Development Foundation Nikol Pashinyan / Նիկոլ Փաշինյան Government of the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Council of Europe Office in Yerevan Երևանում Եվրոպայի խորհրդի գրասենյակ European Union in Armenia Factor TV Azatutyun Radio Media Center / Մեդիա կենտրոն Dignity NGO Access to Justice NGO /Armenia/ Helsinki Citizens' Assembly–Vanadzor Public Control NGO Protection of Rights without Borders New Justice Culture
