The first of June is observed as International Children’s Day in many parts of the world. Armenia, too, celebrates its young people and minor citizens on that day, when the public is reminded of its responsibility to protect the rights of children.
 
This year, Children’s Day fell on the day after the first-ever election for a Yerevan City Council. The run-up to the elections and the voting itself were unfortunately replete with the chronic issues of lack of transparency and voter confidence.

What does this say about our society and our leadership? Surely there is nothing wrong with showcasing support for the youngest Armenians, and in giving them an opportunity to enjoy themselves in the innocence and simplicity of childhood. On Monday, various events were organized for children in public places all over Armenia, and no major event in Armenia can be held without state support of some kind. Just last week, for example, with the end of the school year, high school seniors were given full rein to enjoy their graduation as Republic Square in the centre of the city was closed off to traffic. Similar initiative was required to invite hundreds of children and their parents to the lawns of the National Assembly to play alongside legislators’ children.
 
Protecting the rights of children, assuring their education, sustenance and healthcare are the directives of any nation. They are the future, after all, is the cliche. But the present in which they are being nurtured does not cultivate the sort of citizen we would like to see these children become.
 
More than concerts, clowns, rides and cotton candy, fulfilling the values of a true democracy – such as a competent, inclusive, egalitarian education and open, transparent, fair elections – would do much more to protect the rights of all citizens of Armenia, young and old alike, because it would, above all else, teach children to believe in themselves, their neighbors, their government. Without such faith and belief, we perpetuate cynicism and distrust. That’s no way to building a democracy.

 

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