A few days ago, the “Cultural Rights in Central and Eastern Europe: Gender, Heritage, Language” conference was hosted in Yerevan by the Cultural and Social Narratives Laboratory (CSN Lab) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom: Russia and Central Asia in Exile. The event aimed to shine a spotlight on human rights issues, with a specific focus on cultural rights, amid regional conflicts and wars, often sidelined in mainstream discussions amidst recurring violations of fundamental human rights.
Scholars and experts from Armenia, Belarus, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, and Hungary engaged in extensive discussions during the conference. The scope of topics included political suppression of human rights during conflicts, repressions against human rights and freedom, challenges faced by artists, cultural practitioners, and media representatives, barriers to accessing cultural life, complexities within education and scientific life, and the impact of militarization on gender equality, and the radicalization of public discourse.
The event also featured a presentation of “The Contemporary Human Rights Situation in Central and Eastern Europe” comprehensive research book. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, where they engaged with the conference's invited researchers and experts while sharing their thoughts and questions. The main event was followed by a networking session.