Joint Statement
Bratislava, August 17, 2017
As friends and partners of Slovakia from the international community, we welcome the growing success of the LGBTI Pride Marches in Bratislava and Košice in recent years. These events celebrate the contributions to society of LGBTI persons and affirm respect for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity. We hope that the upcoming Pride Marches in Bratislava on August 19 and in Košice on September 2, together with other Pride events, will continue to advance positive societal attitudes towards LGBTI persons. This is a human rights challenge for all of us, and thus one that we should address. A more inclusive society benefits everyone.
Addressing this challenge is consistent with the international obligations of our governments. We recall the affirmation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights without distinction of any kind. We affirm, too, the principles of the Charter of the Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Acknowledging various difficulties still faced by the LGBTI community in all of our countries, we recognize and welcome efforts to protect the human rights of everyone in the Slovak Republic, including LGBTI persons, as set out in Slovakia's Human Rights Strategy. We stand together with those addressing these important issues and encourage everyone to support and advance all human rights for all.
Signatories:
Embassy of Australia
Embassy of Austria
Embassy of Belgium
Embassy of Brazil
Embassy of Canada
Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark
Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia
Embassy of Iceland
Embassy of Ireland
Embassy of the State of Israel
Embassy of Finland
Embassy of France
Embassy of Germany
Embassy of Greece
Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Embassy of New Zealand
Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway
Embassy of Spain
Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden
Embassy of Switzerland
Embassy of the United Kingdom
Embassy of the United States of America