Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan took part in two roundtable discussions dedicated to the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. She delivered opening remarks at discussions titled “The Human Rights Situation of LGBT People in Armenia,” organized by the Pink human rights NGO, and “At the Heart of Democracy,” organized by Dignity NGO.
In her remarks, Anahit Manasyan stressed that the human rights protection system cannot fully function in the absence of tolerance and solidarity, and that in a democratic society no person can be excluded from the system of rights protection or subjected to discriminatory treatment.
The ombudsperson particularly emphasized the importance of overcoming stereotypical approaches in the anti-discrimination field and eliminating discriminatory and hateful rhetoric from public discourse. She noted that since 2023, the Human Rights Defender’s Office has adopted a new and comprehensive approach regarding the protection and promotion of rights in this area through both its activities and annual reports.
Anahit Manasyan also said that educational and systemic reforms are necessary to overcome stereotypes and prejudices formed in society, along with training and awareness-raising measures for professionals from various sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare and education, in order to properly address sensitive human rights issues.
Addressing the problem of hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric, Anahit Manasyan noted that ongoing monitoring by the Human Rights Defender’s Office has continuously recorded manifestations of discriminatory speech and intolerance, as well as disinformation campaigns exploiting issues related to equality, including during election processes, which, according to her, require consistent and effective counteraction.
The ombudsperson also stressed the need to adopt comprehensive legislation on equality and anti-discrimination.
Anahit Manasyan highlighted the importance of active involvement by civil society organizations, international partners and diplomatic missions in effectively addressing sensitive issues within the human rights protection system.
At the end of the discussions, the ombudsperson thanked the organizers — the Pink and Dignity NGOs — as well as all partners involved in the field for their continued cooperation.
The events were also attended by ambassadors of several countries accredited in Armenia and representatives of international organizations. Welcoming remarks were delivered by EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Canadian Ambassador Andrew Turner, Belgian Ambassador Eric De Muynck, Czech Ambassador Petr Pirunčík and UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili.
