Refrain from Using Expressions Promoting Hatred, Intolerance, or Violence: Ombudsman's Call

The ongoing monitoring conducted by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia indicates that there has been a noticeable increase in the use of expressions targeting individuals based on various grounds, particularly in recent public discourse. This includes statements made by public and political figures as well as media outlets. The office reports this concern.

"These days, particularly pronounced in public discourse is the segregation of Armenians based on their place of birth or residence, and the promotion of intolerance towards groups of individuals for these reasons. The Defender emphasizes that any manifestation of hate speech must be excluded from public discourse and calls for a refrain from using expressions that promote hatred, intolerance, or violence. It is crucial that public officials, as well as public and political figures, take responsibility for the public speech they produce and not only refrain from spreading hate speech but also counteract such rhetoric. Public solidarity can only be ensured through a tolerant, sensitive, and respectful dialogue towards others, and at this moment more than ever, we need such a harmonious environment," the statement reads.