Discussion Meeting Dedicated to the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

On May 15, 2026, ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, a high-level discussion meeting was held at the initiative of Dignity Humanitarian NGO with the support of the Embassy of France in Armenia, bringing together Аmbassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary accredited to Armenia, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, as well as state and civil society representatives, human rights defenders and community.

The goal of the meeting was to discuss existing challenges and opportunities for reforms in the field of human rights in Armenia on the path toward democracy.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Sergey GABRIELYAN, Dignity NGO President, who greeted the distinguished guests and reflected on the importance of the day, the challenges faced by LGBT+ persons, migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups in Armenia and the region, and emphasized the necessity of joint efforts to combat stigma, discrimination and hate speech.

Welcoming speeches were then delivered by high-ranking officials and international partners, including:

• Anahit MANASYAN, Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia,
• Julie FORT, deputy head of mission of the French Republic in Armenia,
• H.E. Andrew TURNER, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Armenia,
• H.E. Eric DE MUYNCK, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Armenia,
• H.E.M. Petr PIRUNČÍK, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Armenia,
• Natia NATSVLISHVILI, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia,
• Louis FALCY, UNHCR Armenia Officer-in-Charge and Senior Development Officer
• Katrin BUDER-PELZ, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Yerevan, Armenia.

The speakers once again reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of human rights, equality, and the fight against discrimination, emphasizing that the construction of a safe, inclusive, and dignified society is only possible through joint and continuous cooperation. In their remarks, they highlighted the important role of civil society, international solidarity, and state responsibility in ensuring the protection of the fundamental rights of every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, or social status.

At the beginning of the discussion, Alina Mirzoyan, Human Rights and Advocacy Coordinator at Dignity NGO, project coordinator presented the project “Strengthening the Capacities of LGBT+ People in Armenia through Improved Legal Protection, Awareness, and Economic and Social Inclusion,” implemented with the financial support of the Embassy of France in Armenia.

This was followed by thematic presentations and discussions covering a number of important issues in Armenia, including:

• The situation of GBT persons, refugees and migrants kept in penitentiary institutions, presented by Sergey GABRIELYAN, 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
• Human rights violations on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, presented by Shushan KHNKOYAN, Access to Justice NGO President
• Legislative gaps in the protection of LGBT+ rights, presented by Anahit MKRTCHYAN, Dignity NGO defense-lawyer
• Issues faced by LBT women, presented by Olya NALBANDYAN and Ani DAVTYAN, Human Rights and Public Health NGO representatives
• Challenges faced by LGBT+ youth, presented by Sargis AYVAZYAN, CEO at IMPULSE Youth Social-Cultural NGO

Each thematic presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session, fostering active discussion and exchange of experiences among participants.

Concluding the event, Sergey Gabrielyan, President of Dignity NGO, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and coordinated efforts in the field, then he turned to the community.

“Your life has value.

And Dignity NGO, together with all our partners, is making a commitment: we will continue — not just to speak up “in place of you,” but to stand beside you and help strengthen your voice.

And I want everyone to remember one thing: YOU ARE HEARD, YOU ARE SEEN, AND WE STAND BY YOUR SIDE.”