Armenian Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan met with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty to discuss ongoing reforms in the field of human rights protection in Armenia.
The meeting focused on steps taken to prevent discrimination, including the development of the draft law “On the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection from Discrimination” and related legislative packages, alongside broad public awareness campaigns on the topic.
Discussions also addressed current and emerging mechanisms to counter hate speech, programs promoting gender equality, the rights of national minorities, and the challenges facing forcibly displaced persons.
Minister Galyan emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities and encouraging citizens’ full participation in public life.
At the end of the meeting, Commissioner O’Flaherty commended both the completed and ongoing initiatives of the Justice Ministry. Both parties underscored the need for sustained reform efforts and deepened cooperation.
On February 5, a group of citizens, clergy, and MPs held a demonstration outside Armenia’s National Assembly in support of “political prisoners and Armenian captives held in Baku.” They directed their appeal to CoE Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty, currently visiting Armenia. During the protest, MP Garnik Danielyan stated that “freedom of speech has been criminalized in Armenia.”
