OSCE Office helps organize discussion on tolerance in Armenia

YEREVAN, 16 November 2006 - Ways of promoting tolerance were discussed at an international conference in Yerevan today.

The event was organized by the non-governmental organization, Areg, with support from the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the United Nations Department for Public Information Armenia Office. It was linked to the International Day for Tolerance, declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance and observed annually on 16 November.

The conference brought together politicians, academics, students, representatives of ethnic and religious minorities, international organizations, and civil society.

"Expanding the ideas of tolerance in OSCE participating States is a key element in ensuring stability in Europe and protecting democratic institutions," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE Office.

Lilit Beganyan, a student and participant at the conference, added: "Armenia faces all the challenges of globalization, including ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. As an Armenian, I know that some deeply rooted stereotypes are still obstacles in our society, and this cannot be changed over night. But I believe that through education and awareness-raising campaigns we can help promote tolerance."

A public service announcement promoting tolerance in Armenia was also shown to the conference participants. This has been prepared by the OSCE Office and broadcast on the Armenian public television within its raising awareness on human rights campaign.