IDAHOBIT. Discussion on the human rights situation of LGBT+ people
Ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Pink Human Rights Defender NGO published its annual report on the human rights situation of LGBT+ people. The report was presented during a discussion held on May 15.
The event opened with a speech by Hripsime Kizogyan, Executive Director of Pink. She noted that the statistics on human rights violations are not just numbers, but the stories of real people: “When we speak about rights violations, we are not only talking about numbers or cases, we are talking about people.” According to her, simply documenting facts is not enough to change reality. Real change requires intersectoral cooperation, a value-based approach, and political will. Kizogyan emphasized the main goals of the report: to make the invisible visible, to identify patterns, and to promote systemic accountability.
Swedish Deputy Ambassador Klas Waldenström delivered a message of solidarity, reaffirming Sweden’s continuous support for the protection of LGBT+ rights. He highlighted that human rights are universal and that the protection of vulnerable groups is one of the pillars of Sweden’s foreign policy. The Deputy Ambassador added that despite some regressive trends in the field of human rights, discussions about LGBT+ issues must remain in the spotlight.
EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos praised the evidence-based work of civil society in keeping human rights issues on the agenda. He stressed that the protection of human rights, without exception, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, is a fundamental value of the European Union, and the EU will continue to support the fight against discrimination in Armenia.
UN Resident Coordinator Françoise Jacob spoke about the need to include LGBT+ individuals as full participants in society, emphasizing that inclusivity and diversity are not merely ideological values, but essential conditions for ensuring the well-being of all.
Advisor to the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anzhelika Movsesova, presented the message of the Ombudsperson Anahit Manasyan, confirming the institution’s commitment to monitor the situation of LGBT+ rights, respond to violations, and enhance institutional responses to the problems of vulnerable groups. She emphasized the Defender’s role not only in responding but also in creating tools for prevention.
In the second part of the event, Pink’s Project Coordinator Lilit Avetisyan, lawyer Ara Gharagyozyan, and social worker Anna Melikyan jointly presented the report, from statistics to individual case studies, highlighting several deeply concerning realities.
Lilit Avetisyan emphasized the fact that despite the violations, most victims refuse to approach law enforcement. This reluctance is rooted in fear of being shamed, ignored, or even re-victimized. This reflects not only the individual’s vulnerability but also systemic gaps within Armenia.
Ara Gharagyozyan presented statistics on the legal response, noting that law enforcement bodies often fail to recognize the motive behind crimes, even in the most blatant hate-based cases. He cited several instances where perpetrators of serious crimes did not receive appropriate punishment.
Anna Melikyan addressed psychological and physical violence within the family environment based on sexual orientation, especially concerning minors. She pointed out that there are cases where parents forcibly evict their children from home solely because of their identity.
Following the report presentation, there was an active discussion and Q&A session, during which participants raised a wide range of topics, from discrimination against LBQ women to systemic reforms and recorded progress in LGBT+ rights protection.
Pink Human Rights Defender NGO expresses its gratitude to all state, international, and civil society partners who participated in the discussion and showed their support. Only through joint efforts can we build a reality where human rights are protected not selectively, but comprehensively.
On May 17, the world is reminded that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are not only injustices directed at individuals but also obstacles to societal development.
