International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Equal Rights Coalition co-chairs' statement
Published 17 May 2021
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The co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), Argentina and the United Kingdom, are pleased to join governments and civil society around the world to commemorate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
This day gives us an opportunity to evoke and reiterate that even though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines in its first article that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, more than 70 years later, discriminatory attitudes based on sexual orientation and gender identity are still strongly entrenched in all regions of the world. We must double our efforts and commitment to tackle the scourge of violence and discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals and the ongoing criminalisation of same-sex conduct in 69 countries.
Since its establishment in 2016, the ERC has worked to bring together governments and civil society in pursuit of a common goal to advance the human rights of all people, and to ensure their inclusive development, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics. We must leave no one behind.
As we continue to consolidate our alliance, we want to take a moment to commemorate IDAHOBIT and draw the world’s attention to the challenges that people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sexual characteristics still face. The 17 of May is a day to denounce the human rights violations that the collective faces every day, but also a day of pride, hope and celebration of diversity.
This year´s theme for IDAHOBIT is especially relevant: “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” Let us redouble our efforts towards a more open, inclusive and diverse society.