The
Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Anahit Manasyan, strongly
condemns any speech spreading in Armenia that is discriminatory or incites
intolerance and hatred, including on the basis of a person’s place of birth or
residence.
Every
Armenian — regardless of their place of birth or residence — as well as every
representative of national minorities living in Armenia, must enjoy equal
conditions for exercising their rights and must be protected from all forms of discrimination
and intolerance.
As a
result of ongoing monitoring of the media and social networks, the Human Rights
Defender’s Office has recorded various manifestations of discrimination and
hate speech on such grounds, including against Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.
This is strictly unacceptable in the context of fostering public solidarity and
preventing the polarization of society.
Recognizing
the importance of effective action against hate speech, the Defender has
consistently raised these issues in her public statements and speeches, as well
as in non-public formats and platforms.
Given
the above, the Human Rights Defender once again emphasizes that all forms of
hate speech and discrimination must be eliminated from public discourse and
calls on everyone to refrain from using language that promotes hatred, intolerance,
or discrimination.
It is
particularly crucial for officials, public and political figures, and the mass
media to demonstrate responsibility in their public communications — not only
by refraining from hate speech themselves, but also by actively countering it.
Moreover,
it is essential that everyone living in Armenia values the equal integration of
all individuals into public life and contributes meaningfully to the proper
implementation of related processes.
Public
solidarity can only be achieved through a tolerant, compassionate, and
sensitive attitude toward others — and through respectful, inclusive dialogue.
Հայերեն
