OSCE Office supports dialogue on freedom of expression and religion or belief in Armenia

Issues related to freedom of expression and religion or belief in Armenia were the focus of a series of training courses for journalists on 26-27 April 2014 and lawyers and human rights defenders on 17-18 May 2014 in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia.

The courses, organized by the NGONGO
non-governmental organization Collaboration for Democracy Centre with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, highlighted the state of religious tolerance and freedom of religion or belief in Armenia, and the challenges.

“The freedom of thought and belief as well as freedom of speech are the core priorities of the OSCE and OSCE Office in Yerevan," said Radka Rubilina, Human Rights Officer at the OSCE Office in Yerevan, “This training will strengthen the capacity of lawyers and human rights defenders to protect and cover religious issues in the courts, media and society.”

Among local experts, Avetik Ishkhanyan, Mesrop Harutyunyan, Ara Ghazaryan and Hovhannes Hovhannisyan delivered presentations on the legislation and relevant practice in Armenia. They noted the international standards, media ethics and principles for effective media reporting.

Participants also examined the opinion and recommendations by OSCE/ODIHR and the European Commission for Democracy through Law of the Council of Europe (Venice Commission) on draft legislation, together with recent developments in the legal and social media regulatory frameworks, and the impact of religious organizations on democratic developments.

Stepan Danielyan, Head of the Collaboration for Democracy Centre said: “The event aims at raising awareness of the international standards and national legal frameworks on freedom of religion or belief. It also aims to contribute to the consolidation of an environment for tolerance- and human rights-oriented approach to religious relationships.” 

The workshops were organized as part of the OSCE Office’s efforts in strengthening the capacity of lawyers and journalists to protect and cover religious issues in the courts and media, and advocate for improved protection of this right.