THE High Representative of the European Union (EU), Ms. Catherine Ashton, for the May 17 occasion of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), wishes to reaffirm the commitment to equality and non–discrimination.She said the EU is committed to the principle of the universality of human rights and reaffirms that cultural, traditional or religious values cannot be invoked to justify any form of discrimination, including discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons.
Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are unacceptable infringements of human rights, the diplomat added.
According to her, May 17 or the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, as it is widely recognised, is an essential feature in the international LGBT rights calendar.
“In the ninth edition, in 2013, commemorations took place in almost 120 countries, in all world regions.
“The day aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. The date of May 17 was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1990.
Grassroots actions
“The original founders of the International Day Against Homophobia (or ‘IDAHO’), established the IDAHO Committee to coordinate grassroots actions in different countries, to promote the day and to lobby for official recognition of May 17,” she recalled.
Ashton said that, notwithstanding positive examples of strengthened non-discrimination measures, sexual orientation and gender identity continue to be used to justify serious human rights violations around the world.
“In some countries, sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex are criminalised and are liable to be punished with imprisonment or even with the death penalty. In other countries governments actively seek to limit freedom of assembly, association and expression of LGBTI persons. This is a source of concern for the EU.
“The EU’s Foreign Ministers adopted the LGBTI Guidelines on 24 June, 2013 and we campaign tirelessly for the respect of human rights, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. We raise the issue of equal rights for LGBTI persons whenever necessary in our contacts with third countries and in international fora, we speak out through public statements, and we work with our delegations to argue the case for justice and human rights. Through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, the EU supports LGBTI human rights defenders across the world,” Ashton asserted.