Joint Statement on the occasion of the IDAHOT Day: International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia*
Bucharest, 17 May 2021 - On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we express our solidarity with all persons who are discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics.
LGBTI persons and families continue to face discrimination, violence and stigmatization all around the world. Our countries seek to combat such discrimination by promoting equal human rights for everyone. This respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms obliges governments to protect all citizens from violence and discrimination and to ensure that all people enjoy equal treatment and equal opportunities.
Protecting the welfare of LGBTIQ persons and families is key to ensuring that the full human rights of all our citizens are protected. We believe that only when the diversity of its citizens is appreciated, supported and protected can a country achieve its full potential.
The current COVID-19 pandemic does not allow groups or individuals to gather for festivals and marches, but we reaffirm on this day our full support for the peaceful fight for the cessation of all forms of discrimination and violence, including on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics.
* The joint statement is issued by the embassies of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and the European Commission Representation in Romania.