Sent on behalf of the Embassies of Canada, Austria, Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the Delegation of the EU in Ukraine.

We affirm today, on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), that we are committed to promoting equal rights for LGBTQI+ persons and supporting those who defend them. On May 17 and throughout the year we are committed to working in solidarity with government and civil society organizations towards the goal of enhancing the equality and inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons. No one should be subjected to discrimination or violence because of who they are.

We recognize that Russia’s full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine is severely impacting the LGBTQI+ community in Ukraine. However, LGBTQI+ individuals, volunteers, activists, fundraisers and donors are greatly contributing to the war effort and courageous soldiers from the LGBTQI+ community are serving on the frontlines. We are moved by the many stories from LGBTQI+ persons who serve with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and describe acceptance from fellow soldiers.

But more needs to be done to protect every single person from discrimination.

Those who identify or are perceived as LGBTQI+ are vulnerable to acts of stigmatization, harassment, and violence.

Ukraine has made notable progress in recognizing and protecting human rights and we particularly commend Ukraine for passing a bill this December outlawing hate speech against LGBTQI+ in the media. We encourage the government of Ukraine to provide a legal pathway for state recognition of civil partnerships. More urgently, partners of LGBTQI+ soldiers who are injured or killed in action should have the right to hospital visits, make medical or burial decisions or collect state compensation.

We must continue to advocate for a world free from discrimination and violence, so that all of our LGBTQI+ friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family may live freely with dignity and equal rights.