Meeting-discussions News

NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: EQUALITY, FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. IDAHOBIT-2024

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May 17 is observed annually worldwide as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

Every year, New Generation Humanitarian NGO (NG NGO) marks the significance of the day organizing different events, meetings, campaigns in order to draw public attention to the importance of combating the existing human rights violations, dominant stigma and discrimination in Armenia.  

This year’s events of NG NGO included an information campaign with photo-messages and the annual meeting-discussion with the participation of representatives of state bodies, diplomatic missions, international and local organizations, representatives of the LGBTQI+ community, human rights defenders and allies. 

The meeting started with the opening speech of Sergey Gabrielyan, NG NGO President, who welcomed the present guests, thanked them for attendance, emphasizing the importance of the day not only in the context of raising awareness about stigma and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people, but also in terms of celebrating the resilience, strength and diversity of communities, making the voice of the community heard. 

“This year’s theme is NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: EQUALITY, FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. which emphasizes the importance of inclusion and meaningful engagement of LGBTIQ+ people in all important aspects of life. It serves as a powerful call to action for all of us to stand in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ people, empower them, make their voices heard and protect their rights,” noted Sergey GABRIELIAN. 

He once again thanked everyone present for joining NG NGO event on this important day and concluded his speech by saying, ” Together, we can make a difference and build a future where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and equality.” 

Next Natia NATSVLISHVILI, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia; H.E.M. Olivier DECOTTIGNIES, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia; H.E. John GALLAGHER, British Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia; H.E.M. Andrew TURNER, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Armenia; Erik TINTRUP Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Jan PLEŠINGER, Head of Political, Press and Information Section of EU Delegation to Armenia; Alison HANNAH, Chief of Political and Economic Section, U.S. Embassy  made welcoming speeches. Representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations expressed their solidarity, reaffirmed their commitment to contribute to the creation of a world free from discrimination and prejudice, where no one is left behind, where equality, freedom and justice prevail for all. 

 

The welcoming remarks were followed by plenary discussions under the headings “Community Speaks” and “Protection of Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons in Armenia”. 

During the first plenary discussion, the representatives of ​​ LGBTQI+ community told about their life in Armenia, what problems and challenges they face, in particular the following topics were touched upon:  

  • The situation of LGBTQI+ refugees in Armenia. Expectations and reality. 
  • The situation of LGBTQI+ people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh Expectations and reality. 
  • The issues of trans people in Armenia. Threats, violence, fight for the right to life.  
  • The issues of LGBTQI+ youth in Armenia.  
  • The issues of LB women in Armenia.  

The second plenary discussion was dedicated to the “Protection of human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Armenia”, what gaps, challenges exist, what actions are being taken to solve the existing problems and ensure the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups.  

The speakers of the second plenary discussion were Sergey GABRIELIAN; the president of the group of public monitors implementing supervision over the criminal-executive institutions and bodies of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia; Hayk ABRAHAMYAN, the Head of Non-discrimination and Equality Coalition; Arman SAHAKYAN, Head of Faith and Equality Network; Shushan KHNKOYAN, legal expert.  

 

The meeting-discussion was organized with financial support of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.