Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown delivers a joint statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and my own country, the United Kingdom.
The 17th of May marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (known as IDAHOBIT). The theme for this year's international day was "The Power of Communities."
We recognise the importance of the political, social and economic contribution made by LGBTI+ people in society, in the workplace, and in the family. And we applaud the vital work of LGBTI+ human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and communities who advocate for LGBTI+ human rights in our own countries and around the world.
We will continue to support cooperation between governments and civil society to promote human rights-compliant measures to tackle discrimination, and uphold fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, including in the OSCE.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" - but this is a promise that has not yet been fulfilled for many LGBTI+ people across the world.
We are concerned at the rising levels of stigma, violence and abuse against LGBTI+ people across the OSCE region, particularly against those who are transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse. This is often exacerbated by malicious actors who enable the spread of misinformation online and offline.
We urge all OSCE participating States to protect and respect human rights, and address the needs of all, including LGBTI+people. In particular, we oppose laws and policies that criminalise consensual same-sex relationships, restrict the human rights of LGBTI+ people and exacerbate social stigma, violence and abuse, as well as widening inequality and stalling social and economic development.
Chair. On this IDAHOBIT, we reiterate our solidarity with LGBTI+ communities worldwide, and our steadfast commitment to creating a world in which all LGBTI+ people can be equal, safe and free to live their lives with dignity and respect.
Thank you.
