Remarks by Ambassador Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations at the Commemorative meeting of the International Day for the Elimination[...]

Madam President,

High Commissioner for Human Rights,

Excellencies,

Sixty years after the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), racism and xenophobia remain pervasive, undermining democratic institutions, deepening social inequalities, and posing serious threats to human dignity, peace, and security. These challenges are further exacerbated by the rapid advancement of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, which amplify and accelerate the spread of hate and extremist narratives within and between societies. We are particularly concerned by the growing normalization of hate speech, including in digital spaces, which risks eroding social cohesion and fueling division.

Addressing racism in all its forms requires comprehensive public policies, effective institutional frameworks, and sustained international cooperation. In this regard, Armenia remains firmly engaged with international human rights mechanisms. We actively support efforts aimed at addressing systemic racism, strengthening accountability, and advancing collective efforts, and maintain close cooperation with the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as well as with the Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance.

At the national level, our policies are guided by the principles of equality, universality, and non-discrimination. Armenia is advancing a comprehensive human rights agenda to ensure the full and equal participation of all individuals in public life. In recent years, we have strengthened our legislative and institutional framework to address hate speech and discrimination more effectively. Notably, the new Criminal Code criminalizes incitement to hatred on ethnic, religious, and other protected grounds, including in the digital sphere.

We also underscore the critical role of education in addressing the root causes of racism. By promoting human rights values, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding, education fosters resilient societies capable of rejecting intolerance and embracing peaceful coexistence. In this context, Armenia has tabled the draft resolution "Education for Peace," currently under consideration in the General Assembly.

Madam President,

Armenia is mindful, from its own historical experience, of the devastating consequences of hatred and intolerance when left unaddressed. We reaffirm our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which remains the central international instrument to combat and eradicate racial discrimination worldwide.

Armenia stands ready to work with all partners to advance these goals and to build just, inclusive, and resilient societies free from racism and intolerance.

I thank you.