Today, on 27 June a round-table discussion on “Combating racial discrimination and intolerance in Armenia” was held. It was organized by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and the RA Human Rights Defender’s Office and RA Ministry of Justice.
During the event, Head of Division for Protection of Human Rights in the Criminal Justice and Armed Forces at the RA Human Rights Defender’s Office Artyom Sedrakyan, ECRI Vice-Chair Reetta Toivanen, and the Deputy Minister of Justice Vigen Kocharyan made opening speeches.
“Discrimination and intolerance are multilayered phenomena, and relate to every group within the public. The Human Rights Defender’s institution places significant emphasis on discussing the issues present in this area and finding productive solutions”, Artyom Sedrakyan said.
ECRI Vice Chair Reetta Toivanen highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Human Rights Defender in ensuring equality.
The event was aimed at promoting national discussion on combating racial discrimination and intolerance in Armenia. During the meeting, issues related to the legislative and institutional framework for the fight against discrimination, integration policy, refugees and other immigrants were discussed. Among other topics, the ECRI’s 2016 report on Armenia was also presented.
Problems encountered in the practice were also brought up and possible directions toward their solution were discussed.