A training programme on combating discrimination adapted to the staff needs of the Human Rights Defender's Office in Armenia, bolstered their capacities to respond to cases of discrimination and hatred in line with European standards, notably those developed by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). At the end of the training, participants expressed a strong interest for further capacity-building actions, emphasising the value of such work to gain insights from European good practices directly applicable to their daily professional endeavours.
Discrimination undermines the principle of equal treatment for all individuals. In Armenia, the Human Rights Defender plays a pivotal role in advocating for equal treatment in the society and ensuring that everyone, regardless the personal characteristics, enjoys the same rights and opportunities. As per its mandate, the Human Rights Defender’s Office can influence policy developments by advocating for a more inclusive society and non-discriminatory laws and practices. By developing skills to combat discrimination, the staff of the Human Rights Defender contributes to the advancement of human rights in the country.
The training session integrated theoretical principles with practical application, aiming to enhance participants' understanding of various concepts related to the field of anti-discrimination, encouraging their use in discussions. Attendees highlighted the importance, from a legal standpoint, of developing comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, notably the adoption of the Draft law on ensuring equality are imperative steps to provide legal redress for victims.
This event is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project "Promoting equality and non-discrimination in Armenia".
