The CSO Network for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh expresses deep concern regarding the dangerous trends recently observed in the Republic of Armenia that relate to manifestations of discriminatory rhetoric, intolerance, and hate speech directed against forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh. It is particularly alarming that such expressions and approaches are also encountered in public discourse, including statements made by various public officials, which may contribute to the escalation of public tension and social polarization.
The incident that took place in the Yerevan Metro involving the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, which has recently received widespread public attention, further highlights the aforementioned concerns. The communication recorded in the video circulated online, including the tense interaction with a forcibly displaced person from Artsakh and the situation that unfolded in the presence of her child, raises questions regarding the appropriateness of the conduct of public officials, the boundaries of public discourse, and the need to ensure respectful treatment toward vulnerable groups. Although the Prime Minister subsequently issued an apology regarding the incident, it was also accompanied by an intensification of negative, including hostile, expressions in the online sphere, which may contribute to the deepening of social tensions.
Such phenomena, in addition to violating the fundamental human rights and human dignity, also contradict the international obligations undertaken by the Republic of Armenia in the field of human rights protection.
Particular concern is caused by the fact that state authorities often fail to undertake sufficient and effective measures aimed at preventing and addressing such manifestations. Moreover, in certain cases the situations recorded may be perceived as tolerance or indirect encouragement of hate speech, which may contradict the fundamental principles of the rule of law and democratic values.
In this context, particular concern is caused by the fact that the social and psychological vulnerability of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh is largely conditioned by forced displacement and targeted ethnic actions. The consequences thereof include threats and pressure recorded over the years, the humanitarian crisis, armed conflicts and mass displacement, as well as the continuing loss of cultural and historical heritage. Taking all these circumstances into account, we state that targeting persons who have been forcibly displaced and who have endured similar severe experiences through hate speech, discrimination, and social exclusion leads to their secondary victimization. This not only deepens the social and psychological vulnerability of the affected persons but also constitutes a direct threat to the principles of the rule of law and social solidarity.
The CSO Network for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh calls upon:
- State authorities of the Republic of Armenia to:
- Take immediate steps to prevent hate speech and discrimination.
- Ensure clear legal and institutional mechanisms for the protection of displaced persons.
- Exercise restraint and refrain from any public discourse that may incite intolerance.
2. National and international human rights institutions to:
- Conduct continuous monitoring and provide objective assessments.
- Contribute to the introduction of effective mechanisms for social inclusion and solidarity.
The CSO Network for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh reaffirms its readiness to cooperate with all interested stakeholders with the aim of ensuring the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced persons, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening social solidarity.
CSO Network for the Protection of the Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh:
- “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO
- “Harmonia” NGO
- “Kumayri” NGO of Artsakh Armenians
- “Return to Karvachar” NGO
- “Krunk” NGO for the Protection of Artsakh Armenians’ Rights
- “Askerantsiner” Community Development Center NGO
- “Hayy Ka” Social, Security, and Development NGO
- “Lusastgh” NGO
02.04.2026