RA human rights defender Anahit Manasyan sent a message on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The message says:

“On April 24, we commemorate the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, reaffirming the supremacy of human dignity and fundamental rights.

At the beginning of the last century, Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were subjected to organized mass crimes: brutal murders, forced deportation and inhumane torture.

This was one of the heaviest crimes in human history, which was accompanied by massive violations of the right to life, forced deportations and torture.

The crime of genocide does not and cannot have any justification.

This day is another reminder that the prevention of such crimes is the most important duty of states and the international community, and punishment for such acts is the most important prevention tool.

Impunity undermines the foundations of justice and creates new crimes. In today’s world, various manifestations of ethnic hatred are a reality. They create fertile ground for genocide and crimes against humanity, so they must be properly countered.

Respecting human rights, guaranteeing the rule of law and eliminating all forms of discrimination must be the pillars of every society, and our efforts must be united in preventing hate speech, hate crimes, intolerance and all forms of discrimination.

The anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is another reminder that we must be more united to protect the rights and dignity of everyone, regardless of national or ethnic affiliation, religious beliefs or any other circumstances.

For us, the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide is not only a testimony of the past, but also a responsibility towards the present and the future to prevent such crimes, as well as to build a fair, equal and human-centered society.”

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