The cases submitted by Right Side NGO were included in the OSCE’s 2024 annual “Hate-Motivated Crimes Report.”

The annual 2024 hate-crime report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights includes data submitted by the “Right Side HRD” NGO. The report presents a range of incidents recorded in Armenia, along with the legislative, political, and institutional developments of recent years. In total, 49 cases were included, all submitted to the OSCE by civil society organizations. The incidents are classified by various motives, including LGBTIQ. Several of the documented cases were presented by “Right Side HRD” NGO, “PINK” HRD NGO, and the Eastern European Coalition for LGBT+ Equality which ensured the documentation and reporting of a significant portion of the cases.

Of the 8 cases provided by “Right Side” NGO, 4 had gender-based motives, while the other 4 were anti-LGBTIQ hate-motivated crimes. These were submitted on the basis of victims’ accounts, documented materials, and legal assessments, all of which are important for ensuring the completeness of OSCE data concerning Armenia. The report also records cases with intersecting motives, meaning incidents that simultaneously had both gender-based and anti-LGBTIQ characteristics. It is highlighted that some cases occurred within family environments, and instances of blackmail and economic exploitation were also recorded, primarily targeting LGBTIQ individuals.

At the same time, due to the OSCE’s updated methodology, cases of hate speech and discrimination are not included in this year’s indicators. The report outlines several reforms implemented in recent years, including amendments to the Criminal Code that clarify aggravating circumstances for hate-motivated crimes. It also highlights new guidelines and training programs developed for investigators, prosecutors, and police officers to ensure effective examination of hate crimes.

ODIHR also points to several issues that require further reform. In particular, law-enforcement bodies often fail to fully record the motives behind incidents, leading to incomplete data. More active engagement from civil society is viewed as an important factor for improving victim-support mechanisms and enhancing the quality of data collection. The OSCE reaffirms its readiness to continue providing methodological, technical, and capacity-building support to Armenia’s state institutions and civil society.

“Right Side” NGO emphasizes that the data submitted for 2024 should serve as a foundation for further developing effective response mechanisms to hate-motivated crimes.