One of the main current issues in the public domain is the
atmosphere of extreme hate and intolerance, which could never lead to a correct
and legal path. This was announced by the Human Rights Defender Ms. Anahit
Manasyan on May 31, during her participation in the panel discussion held
within the framework of the Armenian Forum for Democracy.
The event was attended by representatives of legislative, executive
and judicial authorities, ambassadors accredited to Armenia, international
human rights organizations, and representatives of Armenian civil society. The
aim of the Forum was to bring together all parties concerned with the promotion
of democracy in Armenia, to discuss the progress and challenges of the reforms.
The main topic of discussion was the protection of democracy and human rights
in the face of challenges to the national security of the country.
During her speech, the Defender noted that to exclude the
atmosphere of intolerance, hate speech, and discrimination, first and foremost
the educational system should be reformed. According to her, schools are the
primary social institution where stereotypes, values or ant-values are formed.
“It is necessary to introduce such an educational system,
through which values are transferred to people, that would provide them with
the logic to solve issues with a correct and legal methodology. The legal
education system in Armenia should also be systematically reformed from the
viewpoint of standards and inquiries related to the content and limitation of
human rights" stated Ms. Manasyan.
In this regard, the Human Rights Defender prioritized the
development of correct legislation and legal practice.
Ms. Manasyan referred to the priorities of the activities of the
Human Rights Defender’s Office, including the right to peaceful assembly, the
protection of the rights of the child and women, the activities conducted to
exclude bullying, and emphasized the importance of taking the necessary steps
regarding the principle of non-discrimination, guaranteeing equality, and
excluding hate speech.
The Armenian Forum for Democracy is being held for the second
year in a row through the efforts of Freedom House international human rights
organization, and the Union of Informed Citizens.
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