Armenia

Council of Europe Office in Yerevan

On 19 May 2026, the Council of Europe project “Promoting Equality and Non-Discrimination in Armenia” organised a regional visit to Armavir, Armenia to meet and hold discussions with the representatives of the local Yezidi and Assyrian communities.

The meetings focused on access to education, gender roles and equality in the society, preservation of minority languages and cultures, the combat of discrimination and hatred and related challenges faced by Yezidi and Assyrian youth. Participants included teachers, students, community representatives, and parents, who shared both professional and personal experiences related to the situation of minority communities in Armenia.

A significant part of the discussion focused on barriers to education and access to employment for Yezidi girls and women. Participants noted that while social attitudes are gradually improving, established gender norms and traditions continue to limit girls’ educational and employment opportunities, especially in rural communities. Participants also noted that media representations are often one-sided and reinforce outdated images of the national minorities, frequently portraying Yezidis only through rural or agricultural contexts. Harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about the Yezidi faith were also highlighted, including inaccurate associations with other religions and discriminatory expressions.

The project will continue to co-operate closely with the national minorities of Armenia as well as state institutions to bring positive changes to the most vulnerable groups through the joint efforts and improvements, in line with the European standards and policies, promoting diversity and tolerance

The event is organised in the framework of the project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination in Armenia”, 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.