Supporting Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ persons

Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity has no place in our society, but for many people in Europe and around the world, it is a daily reality. LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights and LGBTIQ+ people should be able to fully enjoy their rights everywhere, at all times.

As June is officially the Pride Month, the EEAS showcases EU actions carried out a global level to promote human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons and to call for the freedom to love and to be who we are, united in our diversity.

The EU is firmly standing against discrimination, prejudice and hate, and committed to protecting LGBTIQ+ persons and enabling them to assert their rights. The situation of LGBTIQ+ people also varies considerably between countries. This is why tailor-made approaches are developed, to maximise the impact of EU support, using all tools at our disposal.

The EU conducts political dialogues with partner countries to address discriminatory laws, policies and practices against LGBTIQ+ people, and decriminalise same-gender relations and trans identities. Collaboration with Civil Society Orgnaisations and Human Rights Defenders has been crucial to advance on the respect for the Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ people, and the EU has been by their side.

The EU leads by example, showing solidarity and building resilience in the protection and advancement of LGBTIQ+ people’s rights around the world, and contributing to a global recovery which empowers all to thrive socially, economically and politically and leaves no one behind.

The EU stands with all LGBTI persons and will not compromise. We will continue to speak up for the human rights of LGBTI persons. We will combat discrimination, violence and hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity – in times of peace and times of conflict.

EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, 17 May 2022: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

In many of our societies, the rights we have conquered along the years are again questioned in many ways. That's why we need to continue working and fighting for what I consider a basic element: the respect and dignity of all people to live their lives and to be respected for what they are.

Secretary-General of the EEAS, Stefano Sannino

Videos

Pride month is important because everybody has the right to be whomever they want to be and to love whomever they want to love, wherever they are, without fearing negative consequences from the authorities or from anybody else. Better still we should respect the dignity of all and make them proud of who they are.

Ambassador for Gender and Diversity, Stella Ronner-Grubačić

Worldwide activities to promote diversity

Page Updated:
20.06.2022