Today, on July 6, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan received the delegation headed by Angelo Longo, the coordinator of the "Promotion of Equality and Elimination of Discrimination in Armenia" program implemented within the framework of the second program format of the European Union and the Council of Europe "Partnership for Good Governance."

Welcoming the guests, Anahit Manasyan presented the priorities of the Defender's staff. In this context, he emphasized the importance of the work carried out within the fight against hate speech, atmosphere of intolerance, and discrimination.

The defender noted that these phenomena are widespread worldwide and in Armenia, which is unacceptable. Of particular concern is the use of hate speech in the academic community by politicians, public figures, and the media. Anahit Manasyan emphasized that any manifestation of hate speech should be excluded from public speech.

The Ombudsman highly appreciated the level of cooperation between the HRD staff and the Council of Europe in combating discrimination, expressing readiness to expand cooperation.

Issues related to protecting the rights of national minorities were also discussed during the meeting. Anahit Manasyan informed the CE colleague that works are being carried out in the direction of the council formation attached to the HRD.

In her turn, Angela Longo thanked me for the reception, presented the details of the works in the "Promotion of Equality and Elimination of Discrimination in Armenia" program, and expressed her willingness to deepen cooperation within the framework.