Update 24.04: the Ombudsman of Nagorno-Karabakh, Mr Ruben Melikyan, has unfortunately been compelled to cancel his trip to Brussels. Due to the recent escalations along the line of contact and reported buildup of military equipment in Azerbaijan [of which the OSCE warned in their statement on 23 April] his presence in Nagorno-Karabakh is deemed necessary to monitor any potential violations of human rights. We very much apologise for this late cancellation and will inform you as soon as a new date is set for the report’s launch in Brussels.

-

Presentation of a new report on Hate Speech in Azerbaijan & Discussion with the Ombudsman of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)

AGBU Europe, European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) and the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democray (EAFJD) are organizing an exclusive presentation on the human rights situation in the South Caucasus in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the Ombudsman of Nagorno-Karabakh, Ruben Melikyan.

Political and strategic considerations regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict often detract from the human dimension, and particularly from issues relating to human rights. At the meeting, the Ombudsman will present, for the first time, his new report on hate speech in Azerbaijan. This report documents and analyses the increasingly frequent and intense manifestations of armenophobia in Azerbaijan as well as its targeted use in the context of the conflict. Mr Melikyan will discuss mounting challenges in establishing a functional human rights dialogue in the region as well as the role of human rights defenders in the process. He will also provide a broad overview of the human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and of the impact of the protracted conflict on human rights in the wider region.

The presentation will be followed by a discussion under the Chatham House rules, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about the region in the spotlight of the EU’s recent activity.

For registration, please click HERE.

Due to the limited capacity of the conference room, it is recommended to register early. Registration will close on Monday April 23.

PROGRAMME

13.15–14.00 Registration and a light networking lunch

14.00–14.45 Presentation of the human rights situation and the recent reports

14.45–15.30 Discussion with Ombudsman Melikyan [Chatham House rules]