More than 30 representatives of state institutions, educators, academic staff and students of different universities of Armenia discussed how hate speech unfolds and what the most recent developments in terms of European standards are. The discussions took place during the thematic Roundtable and subsequent Lecture, co-organised by the Council of Europe’s project “Promoting Equality and Non-Discrimination in Armenia” (hereinafter, “the Project”), the Human Rights Defender’s Office of Armenia, and the French University in Armenia.
The Roundtable discussion invited representatives of the Human Rights Defender’s Office, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, educators, scholars and academic staff of the Armenian universities to consider how hate speech affects higher education. However, the exchanges also pointed on the potential for addressing it in educational setting. The Roundtable presented relevant Council of Europe standards and examples of good European practices.
An interactive Lecture for students followed on identifying, assessing, and combating hate speech, including referring to the Armenian context. The Lecture allowed undergraduate and graduate students of the French University in Armenia to be confronted with real cases of hate speech and its public manifestations, as well as think about ways of engaging as students and citizens, minimising its impact and proliferation through human rights based language, without harming freedom of expression.
Addressing the issue of hate speech was recognised as not only important to ensure an healthy discourse in the academic community but also because universities shape future professionals, leaders, and decision-makers. By actively working with students to raise their knowledge and challenge hate speech, educational institutions instil values of respect, empathy, and non-discrimination that students carry into their careers and communities.
Promoting an environment free from hatred helps cultivate inclusive mindsets, which are essential for fostering social cohesion and equality in every country of Europe.
The meetings were co-organised with the Human Rights Defender’s Office of Armenia, the French University in Armenia, and the Council of Europe’s project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination in Armenia”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe in their joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”.