Ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT+) marked on 17 May, the Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, has made the following statement:
Across Europe, LGBTI people face violence, discrimination and hate.
Disinformation and anti-rights movements intensify the situation. And when individuals are silenced, excluded or made unsafe, democracy is weakened. As civic space narrows, pluralism erodes, participation becomes more fragile and the guiding principle that human rights apply to all is jeopardised. Our democratic model is at stake.
Decisive action is a matter of urgency.
The Council of Europe will continue to hold fast to its standards and support member States in turning commitments into reality, including through the development of a structured and forward-looking framework for collective action: its first Strategy for Equal Rights for LGBTI People (2027-2032). Drawing on its combination of standard-setting, monitoring and cooperation, the Council of Europe is uniquely placed to support effective and lasting change across the continent.
Progress across member States, including the adoption of Recommendation CM/Rec(2025)7 on equal rights for intersex persons, shows that change is both possible and underway.
This momentum must be sustained. The priority is clear: to uphold and implement the Council of Europe's human rights standards, consistently and without compromise. There can be no discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Ensuring this requires coherent, coordinated and sustained action to close existing gaps, counter emerging risks and strengthen the capacity of institutions to protect rights in practice. Equality policies must remain central to our democratic infrastructure.
It is time to renew our commitment to combating discrimination and hate and to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by LGBTI people across Europe.
Secretary General Alain Berset
