Violinist Maxim Vengerov has launched UNICEF’s campaign in Armenia, ‘Every Child Needs a Family’. He kicked off the campaign during a masterclass for members of UNICEF’s Children’s Chamber Orchestra in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan.

The campaign hopes to get public support to return around 4,000 children in special boarding schools and orphanages back to their biological families, or if this is not possible, to foster families. It also aims to help the Armenian government put in place child protection reforms.

Vengerov, who has been a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 1997, said: ‘I was born to a family of musicians. During my childhood I was surrounded by the care and love of my parents and grandparents. Nothing and no one can substitute a family – the best place for a child to be and to develop.’

Laylee Moshiri, UNICEF’s representative in Armenia, said: ‘Maxim’s voice in support of the right of each child to grow up in a family appeals to the hearts of the Armenian people and is sure to help UNICEF mobilise a lot of public support for the campaign we have just started.’