Thank you, Chair.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of [Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland] and my own country, the United Kingdom.

May 17th 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 LGBT+ people in society, in the workplace, and in the family. And we applaud the vital work of LGBT+ human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and communities who advocate for LGBT+ 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 LGBT+ people across the world.

We are concerned at rising levels of stigma, violence and abuse against LGBT+ 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 LGBT+people. In particular, we oppose laws and policies that criminalise consensual same-sex relationships, and restrict the human rights of LGBT+ 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 LGBT+ communities worldwide, and our steadfast commitment to creating a world in which all LGBT+ people can be equal, safe and free to live their lives with dignity and respect.