We stand with Lara Aharonian
The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation will never be silent when women's human rights defenders come under attack. That's why we stand in support and solidarity with Lara Aharonian, a feminist activist and co-founder of the Women’s Resource Center Armenia, one of our partner organisations.
Through her extensive and long-standing work in Armenia and the regions, Lara has made a tremendous contribution to gender equality, GBV/DV legislation, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the women’s movement. She has been a courageous and outspoken defender of the rights of multiple marginalized groups in Armenia and has empowered countless young activists.
Due to this, she has come under fire from far-right ultranationalist hate groups. Lara is currently being targeted by such groups and individuals as a result of remarks she made in defense of marginalized groups at a March 8 event held at the Armenian Parliament and supported by the Swedish Embassy. Since the event, Lara has been receiving public and private threats and hate messages online.
As a partner, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation stands in solidarity with Lara and provide our support to her and her outstanding and powerful work. Hate speech is utterly unacceptable on any grounds and no person, no woman, should become a target of these abhorrent actions. We are emboldened and humbled by Lara’s bravery and resilience in these difficult times and her willingness to continue, we express our sincerest hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
We would like to call on law enforcement authorities and the Human Rights Defenders of Armenia to provide rapid and efficient response and prevention mechanisms and on the authorities of New Armenia to expedite the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation.