10 Heads of Diplomatic Missions in The Hague support the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia on May 17, and reaffirm their commitment to defend and advance the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons around the world.
We, the undersigned Heads of Diplomatic Missions in The Hague, come together once again to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Interphobia (IDAHOBIT), and to reaffirm our continued commitment to defending the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other diverse persons (LGBTIQ+) in the Netherlands and globally.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Communities,” highlights the essential role that networks of solidarity, mutual support and collective resilience play in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights. Throughout history, LGBTIQ+ communities have led the way in confronting injustice, and their strength remains critical in today’s global context.
Despite notable progress, LGBTIQ+ individuals continue to face widespread discrimination, violence, and legal persecution in many parts of the world. We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing criminalisation of consensual same-sex relations, and about restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to inclusive healthcare, including sexual and reproductive rights. Decriminalisation is a crucial step toward ensuring dignity, freedom, and equality for everyone.
We call on all countries to adopt or amend laws, policies, and practices that eliminate systemic barriers and protect LGBTIQ+ persons from discrimination, ensuring full respect for their human rights, which are human rights, universally. Legal reforms should be prompt and aligned with international human rights standards.
In this context, we reaffirm our support for promoting human rights through multilateral cooperation, strong engagement with international institutions, and close collaboration with civil society. The Equal Rights Coalition, established in 2016, continues to serve as a key platform for coordinating efforts and fostering a shared global vision of equality.
In today’s global climate, it is more important than ever to safeguard the progress achieved and prevent regression in our shared commitment to gender equality and universal human rights. Upholding these values is not only a human rights imperative, it is essential to democracy, sustainable development, and social justice.
Inclusive societies that protect and celebrate diversity are more resilient, peaceful, and equitable. We stand in solidarity with all those who defend these values, and we remain committed to a world where no one is marginalised or criminalised because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
On this May 17, we reaffirm our belief that LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights. United in our commitment, we strive to help build a freer, fairer, and more compassionate world for all.
SIGNATORIES:
Australia, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Spain and Switzerland.