Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, at the High-Level Event on International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Mr. Chair,

I would like to thank the Kingdom of Morocco and the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect for convening this important event marking the 5^th International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

The growing prevalence of hate speech, particularly when targeting ethnic and religious groups, continues to create fertile ground for discrimination and human rights violations. Particularly alarming is the deliberate use of such rhetoric by state officials and public figures to inflame tensions, deepen divisions within and among societies, and create conditions conducive to xenophobia, radicalization and in the most severe cases, atrocity crimes.

In today's highly interconnected information environment, digital platforms and artificial intelligence have significantly amplified the reach, and impact of such narratives. Rapidly changing information and communication technologies make it imperative to develop regulatory frameworks anchored on fundamental human rights, principles of prevention as well as genuine multi-stockholder partnerships which are key to inclusive and rights based solutions. Information is a global good. It is also a global tool that could be misused. The rule of law, access to justice and redress are important prerequisites to fight hate, propaganda of violence, disinformation and targeting of individuals and groups. They are also fundamentally important for drawing delicate lines between freedom of speech, opinion and expression and dissemination of hate.

We believe that combating hate speech requires broad and inclusive partnerships. Governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector all have an important role to play in advancing prevention efforts and developing practical tools to counter hate speech. Only through a whole-of-society approach can we address its root causes, mitigate its harmful impact on communities, and promote mutual understanding and dialogue.

At the national level, Armenia continues to strengthen its legislative and policy frameworks, enhance institutional capacities and raise public awareness with a view to fostering tolerance and inclusion. The Criminal Code criminalizes incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence on ethnic, religious and other protected grounds, including when committed through digital and online platforms.

At the same time, we recognize that combating hate speech requires more than legal and institutional measures. Education remains one of the most effective tools for promoting respect for diversity and a culture of dialogue, while countering intolerance, xenophobia and hatred. It is in this spirit that Armenia initiated the General Assembly resolution entitled "Education for Peace," adopted by consensus earlier this month, with the aim of strengthening global efforts to harness the transformative potential of education in advancing peace, non-violence and the development of peaceful societies.

Mr. Chair,

We attach particular importance to the role of the United Nations in monitoring and analyzing hate speech and its underlying drivers, including through enhanced data collection and other preventive efforts, in line with the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.

To conclude, Armenia reaffirms its commitment to international efforts aimed at countering hate speech as an integral part of the broader prevention agenda. By strengthening cooperation and partnerships at the local, national, regional and international levels, we can prevent hatred from escalating into violence, foster resilient and inclusive societies, and safeguard human dignity for all.

I thank you.