On May 11 of this year the Programs Manager of the Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO participated in the IDAHOT+ forum in Reykjavík, which aimed to promote the rights of LGBTI+ people and strengthen cooperation between key stakeholders. The Forum, supported by the Council of Europe, served as a platform for European governments, international organizations, civil society groups and key stakeholders to assess progress on LGBTI+ rights, celebrate achievements and set new goals for LGBTI+ rights. As the first and leading Trans, LGBIQ and sex workers’ community based organization in Armenia and South Caucasus, Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO also participated in the IDAHOT+ forum. The Programs Manager of the NGO spoke in the “Supporting LGBTI human rights defenders under threat” section of the forum, which focused on the challenges faced by LGBTI+ human rights defenders working and doing activism in countries with high levels of discrimination. During her speech, she presented the situation of LGBTI+ people in Armenia, mentioning the existing legislative gaps and the work carried out by the organization. During the discussion, the necessary support from international organizations was also highlighted, which would ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTI+ human rights defenders.

The Right Side NGO gives high importance to participation in the IDAHOT+ forum and the exchange of experience with partner organizations, which contributes to the improvement of the quality of life of LGBTI+ people and the protection of their rights in RA.

You can watch the full IDAHOT+ forum video here: https://vimeo.com/event/3381283/e3af2b9bf8 

May 13,2023 Armenia, Yerevan