Remarks by H.E. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia, at the Informal Briefing by the UN Secretary-General on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech

18 June, 2019

Remarks by H.E. Mher Margaryan,
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations
At the Informal Briefing by the UN Secretary-General on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech
18 June 2019

Armenia expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for launching a conversation on this important issue. We also commend the efforts of the Office of the Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide for elaboration of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.

Indeed, disturbing tendencies of marginalization, radicalism, exclusion and continued flaring of hate speech have been increasingly infusing the international agenda. Hate speech, in all its domains and manifestations, contradicts and undermines the core principles and shared values that this Organization has been built upon.

The irresponsibility of spreading hate speech, racial and ethnic profiling, glorification of hate crimes, denial and justification of past crimes, especially led and encouraged by state leaders, cultivate fertile ground for discrimination and human rights violations. Hateful and distractive rhetoric in many cases makes genuine reconciliation and dialogue even harder and deepens misunderstanding and distrust.

Armenia remains strongly committed to advancing prevention, including prevention of hate speech and identity-based discrimination against all groups and peoples that can lead to mass atrocities and genocide.

Education and awareness-raising are key policy areas with respect to prevention, and, in this context, we strongly support the UN initiative to convene an International Conference on Education for Prevention with focus on addressing and countering hate speech.

I thank you.

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications