Public Statement on the International Transgender Day of Remembrance

Assessment of the Situation Regarding the Rights, Safety, and Protection of Trans People in Armenia and the Region

The “Right Side” Human Rights Defender NGO marks the International Transgender Day of Remembrance by reaffirming its commitment to documenting human rights violations, supporting victims, and raising awareness about the systemic challenges that continue to undermine the safety and well-being of trans and LGBIQ+ people in Armenia and the region.

Current Situation Assessment in Armenia and the Region

In recent years, the organization has documented increasing cases of discrimination, persecution, physical and psychological violence, social isolation, and unequal treatment of trans people by both state and private institutions.

These trends have sharply intensified due to the rise of anti-gender and anti-trans movements, which spread misinformation, hate speech, and targeted propaganda - fueling stigmatizing attitudes and the normalization of hatred.

Irresponsible coverage by several media platforms has further deepened the situation by politicizing trans issues, distorting public perceptions, and contributing to increased targeting and hostility.

Impact of Regional Anti-Trans Legislation

Anti-trans laws adopted in recent years in Russia, Georgia, Turkey, and other countries in the region severely restrict the fundamental rights of trans people:

• Name changes and legal gender recognition are becoming extremely difficult or impossible
• Procedures for updating documents are nearly inaccessible
• Access to medical interventions and healthcare services is heavily restricted.

These laws make it nearly impossible for trans people to live safe and dignified lives, indirectly affecting Armenia’s trans community as well by deepening stigmatization and social challenges.

Documented Cases and Statistics

In 2024, Right Side NGO received 433 total requests from trans and LGBTIQ+ individuals, and 284 individuals received remote legal support.

Main issues identified:

• Gender-based violence
• Obstacles in state institutions
• Refusals in service sectors
• Domestic violence and pressure
• Hate speech
• Other legal issues

In the first ten months of 2025, the organization received 340 requests, and 183 individuals received remote legal support.

Main issues identified:

• Gender-based violence
• Discrimination in state institutions
• Refusals in service sectors
• Family-related issues
• Hate speech
• Other legal matters

Particularly Severe Incidents

During the reporting period, several grave and dangerous incidents were documented, including:

• In Yerevan, foreign nationals brutally attacked a trans woman solely because of her gender identity.
• Three individuals violently assaulted an LGBTIQ+ community member in a hate-motivated attack.
• Diana Ghzroyan, participant in the Miss Star International competition, became a victim of hate speech and online targeting.
• An armed individual broke into a trans woman’s home with a knife and brutally beat her.

Tragic Losses

• Nikita Engibaryan (July 2025) - suicide due to prolonged psychological pressure, public rejection, and systemic discrimination. Nikita often isolated themselves at home to avoid public interaction and visibility.
• Kessaria Abramidze (September 2024) - brutally murdered in her own apartment.

These tragedies are the result of systemic violence and impunity.

Overall Conclusion

The cases presented demonstrate that violence and discrimination against trans people in Armenia and the region are systemic. Legislative gaps, insufficient prevention mechanisms, and the activity of anti-trans movements contribute to the deepening of hatred and impunity.

Organizational Position

Right Side NGO reaffirms that its work is strictly dedicated to human rights protection and is not subject to any political manipulation. The organization’s primary goal is to ensure that trans and LGBIQ+ people live in a safe, respectful, stigma-free, and discrimination-free environment.

Call to Action

To State Institutions:

• Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation
• Establish clear, human-centered, and accessible procedures for legal gender recognition
• Ensure proper classification and prosecution of hate-motivated crimes
• Improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting the safety of trans people

To the Media:

• Uphold responsible, balanced, and evidence-based journalism
• Avoid manipulative, distorted, or stigmatizing portrayals
• Never exploit the stories and experiences of trans people for political, economic, or other purposes

To International Organizations and Donors:

• Continue supporting the protection and promotion of human rights
• Contribute to developing effective anti-hate policies in the region
• Strengthen funding for programs that protect trans people, build their capacities, and promote social inclusion

Today, we honor the memory of all those who are no longer with us because of hatred, violence, and impunity. We reaffirm our commitment to continue documenting violations, supporting victims, and raising awareness about systemic issues to ensure a safe, dignified, and free life for trans people.