UNIS/SGSM/1401
14 May 2024
On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secure equality before the law.
Yet there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction. New laws are codifying old bigotries, exploiting fears and stoking hate.
The theme of this year’s Day – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – reminds us of our obligations to respect the human rights and dignity of every person. We need action around the world to make those rights a reality.
The criminalization of same-sex relationships must end, so must all violence, discrimination and harmful practices against LGBTIQ+ communities.
On this and every day, let’s commit to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all around the world.
* *** *
"The poison of racism continues to infect our world – a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination. It corrupts communities, blocks opportunities, and ruins lives, eroding the very foundations of dignity, equality and justice." — António Guterres
The members of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will hold a hybrid press conference in Geneva to launch its comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council at the end of its third mandate.
"On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony." — António Guterres
With the deposit of the instrument of ratification at the UN Headquarters in New York, Paraguay becomes the seventeenth State Party to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, also known as the "Singapore Convention on Mediation".
