At the High-Level Event marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia, reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to countering hate speech as an integral component of the prevention agenda.
He noted that the growing prevalence of hate speech, particularly when directed against ethnic and religious groups, continues to fuel discrimination, exclusion and violence, while creating conditions conducive to xenophobia, radicalization and, in the most severe cases, atrocity crimes.
Ambassador Hovhannisyan underscored the importance of the rule of law, access to justice, and effective remedies in addressing hate speech, incitement to violence, disinformation, and the targeting of individuals and groups, while preserving the delicate balance between protecting freedom of expression and preventing the spread of hatred.
He also emphasized the role of education in promoting tolerance and combating hate speech, recalling the General Assembly resolution “Education for Peace,” initiated by Armenia and adopted by consensus earlier this month, which seeks to harness the transformative potential of education in advancing peace, non-violence and inclusive societies.
