Recap | March 2026
New report about the situation of human rights defenders
Human Rights House Yerevan has published its annual report, presenting the violations and restrictions recorded against human rights defenders in Armenia in 2025.
The report is based on systematic monitoring and verified data, and also covers pressures on civil society, the rise of hate speech and disinformation, as well as the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
The chapter about the “Retaliation Against a Human Rights Defender Through Administrative and Institutional Pressure” examines the case of Pink’s representative, Mamikon Hovsepyan, detailing the pressure of the Ministry of Health.
The Human Rights Defender’s reference to the situation of LGBT+ people
On March 27, the Annual Report of the Human Rights Defender (the Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Armenia was published, summarizing the situation of human rights and freedoms in 2025, as well as the Ombudsman’s activities.
The Ombudsperson also referred to the situation of LGBT+ persons’ rights, based on data recorded by the Office, as well as information provided by Pink Human Rights Defender NGO. The analyzed data indicate that serious and systemic issues persist in the field of protection of LGBT+ persons’ rights in Armenia.
In particular, it is noted that homophobic and transphobic attitudes remain widespread in society, while LGBT+ persons frequently face discrimination, hate speech, social exclusion, as well as cases of physical and psychological violence. In 2025, the Human Rights Defender received 15 complaints concerning 23 individuals. At the same time, Pink documented at least 56 cases of rights violations, a significant portion of which are not reported to law enforcement bodies due to lack of trust, fear of secondary victimization, and degrading treatment.
“Merontsov” Regional Forum
From March 27 to 29, the three-day regional forum titled “From Region to Region, From Heart to Heart” was held for the first time, bringing together more than 80 participants from the LGBT+ community across different regions of Armenia and creating a safe space for sharing their experiences.
These three days provided an opportunity to hear the voices of queer people living in the regions and to build new connections within the community.
The UN Working Group studied the situation of the rights of women and girls in Armenia
The UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls carried out data collection and a ten-day visit to Armenia with the aim of assessing the overall situation of the rights of women and girls in the country. During the visit, the group held meetings with state institutions, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, as well as other stakeholders.
During the discussions, particular attention was paid to existing mechanisms for the protection of women’s rights, manifestations of discrimination, and gaps in the legal framework. The Working Group also met with representatives of the “Pink” Human Rights Defender NGO, who presented the situation of the rights of LBTQ+ women and girls in Armenia, highlighting the multifaceted issues present in the field.
In the summary statement published on March 25, the experts called for ensuring a safer and more enabling environment for women and girls human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and politicians, emphasizing that they should be able to participate in public life free from intimidation, hate speech, and violence, both online and offline.
The statement also made specific reference to the situation of LBTQ+ women and girls in Armenia. According to the experts, they face multiple forms of discrimination, shaped by deeply rooted gender stereotypes, societal stigma, and gaps in legal protection. According to civil society organizations, various violations are recorded, including hate-motivated violence, discrimination in housing, employment, and education, as well as domestic violence and sexual violence.
