On the initiative of Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, a workshop was held, which was to strengthen the communication between state institutions and the media in the context of the fight against hate speech in the public domain.
The event was organized on the initiative of the Human Rights Defender, the European Union and the Council of Europe, which co-financed by the Council of Europe, "Partnership for Good Management". Equality promotion and exclusion of discrimination in Armenia.
The aim of the workshop was to create a platform for constructive dialogue, to raise the existing problems in the field, the cooperation of state bodies and the media, using the best European experience to reduce the manifestations of hatred in the public environment.
RA Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan and Head of the Council of Europe Office in Armenia Maxim Longangen made an opening speech.
In his speech, the Defender stressed the importance of holding discussions in such a format, emphasizing their importance in the development of democratic processes and increasing public trust.
"The word of hatred is one of the most dangerous phenomena in Armenia, but also around the world. It becomes a basis for many problems and crimes. The religious, national, ethnicity of the person, gender, gender identity, etc. targeted. I have to say that it has a lot of spread in our country. The role of journalists in preventing hate speech is high, and such constructive discussions contribute to solving the problems together, "said Anahit Manasyan.
According to the Defender, hate speech is heard everywhere, both by public, politicians and professional communities. In this context, it is very important to transform the education system, and legislative reforms are needed, including the criminal liability, for example, for example, administrative responsibility.
During the first panel discussion, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, founder of the Article 3, Liana Yeghiazaryan, the head of the Public Radio of Armenia, touched upon the issues of strengthening communication between the state structures and the media, discussed various issues related to hate speech.
Afterwards, the Council of Europe's international experts Sarah Vasilen and Evadere Schiladze spoke about the role of the Human Rights Defender, in the context of communication with hate speech and the media, to address European standards and best practices. They also touched upon media coverage of vulnerable groups, including discrimination cases in accordance with ethical standards, promoting inclusive approach, equality and variety.
During the second panel discussion, the Secretary General of the Ombudsman Siranush Sahakyan and Head of the Yezdi Center of Human Rights were discussed issues related to the coverage of hate speech and discrimination in the context of the prevention of hate speech and communication.
During the workshop, they also touched upon the role of the Human Rights Defender in the context of the exclusion of hate speech, discrimination and communication with the media.
The event took part in state bodies, media representatives, deputies of the National Assembly, members of the Higher Judicial Council, international partners, as well as national and international experts, including online format.