Hate Speech in Armenia Reaches Alarming Volumes։ Manasyan

In cooperation with the Human Rights Defender of the RA and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a two-day discussion on "Raising Awareness on Hate Speech" was organized in Tsaghkadzor on October 4 and 5.

The event's goal was to discuss the problems of hate speech dissemination, particularly its manifestations through social media and social networks, its causes, international standards for combating it, as well as to address the most frequently targeted groups. Participants included Members of the National Assembly, and representatives from the National Assembly staff, the judiciary, the prosecutor's office, the Television and Radio Commission, as well as the HRD staff.

In her opening speech, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan emphasized the importance of consistent work aimed at preventing hate speech, stressing that such speech not only undermines social solidarity but also endangers the strengthening of democratic values.

"In Armenia, hate speech has reached alarming volumes and is used on an almost daily basis. It is widely spread by professional and academic communities, as well as by public and political figures. This is an extremely dangerous trend that can lead to deep negative consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to combat this phenomenon with joint, solidary, and consistent efforts. In this context, both the National Assembly and public and political figures bear a special responsibility in forming and implementing effective tools for preventing and combating hate speech. It is of vital importance that all actors clearly realize that hate speech is unacceptable under any circumstances," noted Anahit Manasyan.

Continuing, the Human Rights Defender also highlighted the role of the media, emphasizing that the information environment should serve not to spread hate speech, but to raise public awareness about lawful speech and strengthen social solidarity.

Opening remarks were also made by Jakob Wöllenstein, Head of the Regional Program "Political Dialogue South Caucasus" of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Rustam Bakoyan, Acting Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs.

During the discussion, international experience, legal approaches, and issues of media responsibility were presented. The event also included group work and panel discussions, during which participants discussed practical situations, trying to jointly develop effective mechanisms for combating hate speech and raising awareness.

The main discussions were moderated by national expert Ara Ghazaryan and international expert, human rights defender Adnan Kadribašić. Issues related to the competence and cooperation of different actors were presented by Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, Members of the National Assembly, Judge of the RA Criminal Court of Appeal Arsen Nikoghosyan, member of the Television and Radio Commission Gohar Mamikonyan, and representative of the General Prosecutor's Office Hayk Hovhannisyan.