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.
* *** *
This year the Report has a special focus on the threat to public health from the deadly proliferation of synthetic drugs.
The new Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations (Vienna), Pattarat Hongtong, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations (Vienna), Toufique Hasan, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
With the deposit of the instrument of accession at the UN Headquarters in New York, Bahrain becomes the sixteenth State Party to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, also known as the "Singapore Convention on Mediation".