Pink’s position on human rights violations in the field of human rights protection

Pink expresses its concern regarding cases and reports of sexual harassment, violence, abuse of power, blackmail, degrading behavior, obstruction of beneficiary support, and the creation of an artificial competitive environment that were recorded over the past year among LGBT+ individuals and those who consider themselves human rights defenders or organizations.

As an LGBT+ community-based and human rights defender organization, we are committed to the values of equality, safety, and respect for diversity. We remain dedicated to our mission of fostering a society where everyone lives with dignity and is protected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or other characteristics. At the core of our organization’s values is respect for human rights, equality, and dignity, and we are determined to create a safe environment for all.

Manifestations of Sexual Harassment and Violence

Pink reaffirms its absolute rejection of all forms of violence and discrimination and its firm stance on eliminating such manifestations within the LGBT+ community, among human rights defenders, NGOs, and partner organizations. To ensure the confidentiality of beneficiaries’ personal data and to prevent re-victimization and double targeting, Pink does not find it appropriate to publicly disclose any information regarding received reports or individuals involved in alleged incidents.

However, it is important to note that these incidents include multiple cases of sexual harassment and violence by individuals considered human rights defenders who have abused their positions, both in cases that were reported to law enforcement and those that were not. Additionally, there have been instances of blackmailing individuals through abuse of power, obstructing beneficiaries from receiving support from other organizations, and providing misleading information to local and international partners with the intention of fostering an artificial competitive atmosphere.

Pink prioritizes the best interests of beneficiaries. Human rights defenders and organizations committed to human rights protection, given the authority and credibility they have gained by advocating for these issues, must refrain from any abuse of power. Pink strongly condemns any such conduct.

In Armenia, individuals from various vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ persons, are breaking their silence and speaking out about experiences of sexual violence and abuse of power. This step paves the way for others to share their own experiences. Unfortunately, the experiences of survivors also include cases of sexual harassment by employees of supporting organizations, which often go unreported due to the exercise of power.

However, it is not the responsibility of survivors to prevent sexual harassment or abuse of power. That responsibility belongs to human rights organizations and to each of us. It is time to eradicate the culture of impunity that hides behind so-called “values.”

Pink is committed to combating sexual harassment in the field of human rights protection. That is why we provide professional services to victims and advocate for their rights, ensuring they have access to justice.

Sexual exploitation and abuse of power by individuals working in human rights field—those who are supposed to provide assistance—constitute the most serious breaches of trust. These actions fundamentally contradict the core principles and obligations of our organizations.

Unjustified competitive environment and pursuit of personal interests 

At the same time, Pink firmly believes that cooperation and solidarity among sectoral organizations and human rights defenders are fundamental to strengthening civil society and human rights protection. We consider any actions by individuals or organizations that claim to be human rights defenders but hinder this cooperation and create an unfounded sense of competition to be unacceptable. The human rights field should never become a space for competition.

We are committed to building strong collaborative relationships and standing in solidarity with human rights organizations and individuals. However, we are also principled in ceasing cooperation and condemning any individual or organization whose actions clearly manifest discrimination, violence, or any other violation of human rights, are detrimental to people’s lives and dignity, and serve personal interests.

The rights protection of our team members, beneficiaries, and partners is our top priority. Our organization has consistently worked to ensure a safe space where every individual can operate without facing discrimination or harassment.

Pink has implemented mechanisms aimed at preventing sexual harassment and abuse of power, as well as conflicts of interest and corruption. We conduct regular training sessions for our staff and volunteers to raise awareness and promote safe behavior, people-centered approaches, and transparency.

Call to LGBT+ individuals, local and international partners

• We call on all organizations and individuals to foster an environment of respect, acceptance, and equality. We urge everyone to speak out against all forms of violence and exploitation, including in the field of human rights protection, to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Only through collective action can we create a safe and protected society based on universal human rights values.

• We encourage our partners and other human rights organizations to be critical of cases and reports of sexual harassment, violence, abuse of power, blackmail, degrading behavior, obstruction of beneficiary support, and the creation of an artificial competitive atmosphere. We call on them to speak out about any information they receive and to implement response and prevention measures to break the cycle of impunity and prevent such incidents from recurring.

• We also urge our local and international partners and donors not to remain indifferent to reports of sexual harassment, violence, and abuse of power and to be especially vigilant when establishing or maintaining cooperative relationships. At the same time, we call on them not to give credence to baseless claims of competition used by self-proclaimed human rights defenders and organizations to obscure allegations of violence and abuse of power. The protection of LGBT+ human rights has never been and should not become a competitive field that serves the personal interests of a few individuals.

• We express our solidarity with LGBT+ individuals who have spoken out or have not yet spoken out about experiences of violence, abuse of power, blackmail, or denial of services. Pink has always supported and will continue to support those in need.

• We firmly believe that the fight against violence and discrimination begins with each of us and requires cooperation, will, and resilience. We call on everyone—LGBT+ individuals, organizations, and partners—to join us in creating spaces of equality, respect, and acceptance so that together we can face the serious challenges of our time.