For information only – not an official document
UNIS/SGSM/1494
14 May 2025
It is a tragic truth that violence and discrimination continue to be a part of everyday life for millions of LGBTIQ+ people around the world. They face an onslaught of hate speech, attacks, and restrictions on their rights. Meanwhile, funding cuts for critical health services and civil society organizations threaten further devastating impacts.
The theme of this year’s international day – “the power of communities” – reminds us that we are strongest together. LGBTIQ+ people, and those working with them to secure their rights, have proved time and again the value of communities in providing support and driving change.
Their example should inspire us all to come together and realize the vision of a world where every member of our human family can live a life of freedom, equality, and dignity. Working as one, we must push to repeal discriminatory laws, combat violence and harmful practices, and end the scapegoating of marginalized communities.
The United Nations is a proud partner in these efforts. We will not rest until the rights of all are a reality, no matter who they are or whom they love.
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The thirteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) will be held from 19 to 23 October 2026 at the Vienna International Centre, Austria.
The Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice concluded today with more than 60 countries agreeing time-bound actions to strengthen criminal justice responses, expand access to justice and improve international cooperation to tackle global crime threats.
The Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened today with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a forward-looking global framework to strengthen international criminal justice cooperation against fast-evolving crime challenges and exploitation of digital technologies.
"It's time to choose dialogue over division, diplomacy over confrontation, and disarmament over destruction. States that possess nuclear weapons must honour their disarmament obligations and commit to the total elimination of nuclear weapons." — António Guterres
