Human rights defender Anahit Manasyan was honored today, on November 16, with a special certificate from Fabian Salvioleit, Chief Representative of the Monitoring, Integrity, Accountability, and Non-Repetition Guarantee Unit of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Brand Vaucovich, Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Special Unit, located at the Human Rights Defender’s Office.

In her address to the audience, Anahit Manasyan highlighted the important work and priorities of the Human Rights Defender’s Office. She emphasized the significance of combating hate speech, discrimination, violence, and impunity.

The Human Rights Defender emphasized that these issues exist not only in Armenia but worldwide, which is unacceptable. She specifically drew attention to the use of hate speech within academic circles, by political and public figures, and in the media. The Defender stressed the need to eliminate hate speech from public discourse.

Anahit Manasyan also raised concerns about the protection of the rights of displaced persons from the mountainous Karabakh region and the ongoing violations they continue to face. She particularly emphasized the cases of killings, torture, mutilation, and other grave violations that have occurred in territories under Azerbaijani control, all of which are subject to international human rights law.

The meeting also addressed issues regarding the state of human rights protection in conflict zones. Both Fabian Salvioleit and Brand Vaucovich expressed their gratitude for the reception and commended the Human Rights Defender for her efforts in safeguarding the rights of individuals affected by conflicts.