Joint Statement Expressing Support for the International Day Against Homophobia

On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we express our support for, and solidarity with, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities in Romania. We note that the 2017 Bucharest Pride Festival is currently taking place and we support the lawful right of these communities to use this traditional occasion to march together on May 20th (start at Arcul de Triumf at 16h) in order to peacefully raise awareness of the specific issues that affect them.

Human rights — including justice, equality, humanity, respect and freedom of expression — and the rule of law are the foundations upon which democratic states are built. Indeed, international human rights law is grounded on the premise that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is this respect for fundamental human values that obliges governments to protect all citizens from violence and discrimination and to ensure that all people enjoy equal opportunities.

Some individuals still face discrimination, both systemic and overt, based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Our governments seek to combat such discrimination by promoting the human rights of all people. Everyone, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people should be free to enjoy the rights and freedoms to which people of all nations are entitled.

* The joint statement is issued by the embassies of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay and the European Commission.

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