Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor

Yesterday, on March 30, 2025, Vardan Ghukasyan, the candidate for mayor of the snap elections of council of elders of Gyumri community, during the press conference made discriminatory and unacceptable statements against women, which was: "... Then, will these girls let a man not sin, beautifully dressed, legs open... I don't know what... Whatever they do, they become a cause of temptation for men. That is why it is said, "woe to your women, who become a cause of temptation for men." 

Women's rights organizations strictly condemn any speech of hatred and public statements and discourses containing discriminatory elements.  

Such expressions towards women not only violate basic ethical norms but also contradict a number of provisions enshrined in the RA Constitution, such as articles 3, 77, and 29, as well as a number of domestic and international principles of human rights.   

We believe that public words of swearing, abusive behavior, and discriminatory attitudes by a political figure not only call into question the perception of the citizen as a supreme value but also threaten the full realization of their rights. Such approaches will contribute to the maintenance of public and legal order and contribute to the deepening of the criminal subculture.  

Any socio-political actor should be aware of the impact of any statements made by them and not contribute to the deepening of gender discrimination, hate speech, and/or discrimination. They should also contribute to the strengthening of equality and mutual understanding. 

We consider that this is not the only incident, therefore, we call for the exclusion of discriminatory statements and expressions. 

Society should reject and de-legitimize the speech of hatred towards women, contributing to the creation of a fair and inclusive environment.  

The statement:  https://hcav.am/en/statement-03-04-2025/