Joint Statement of the Diplomatic Community on LGBTI Rights BRATISLAVA

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Bratislava, July 14, 2018

As international friends and partners with Slovakia, we join in celebrating LGBTI+ Pride and reaffirm our commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of all. Pride Marches in Bratislava on July 14 and in Košice on September 1, together with other Pride events, are a celebration of the important societal contributions of LGBTI+ persons and affirm respect for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity. We hope that these events will continue to advance positive societal attitudes towards LGBTI+ family members, neighbours, colleagues, and friends.

Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights without distinction of any kind, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our governments have acknowledged this as a basic truth, and we continue to strive toward implementing that ideal with our partners. We affirm, too, the principles of the Charter of the Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

We recognize and welcome efforts to protect and advance the human rights of everyone in the Slovak Republic, including LGBTI+ persons. Everyone deserves a safe environment, free from violence and harassment. This is a challenge all around the world, and we stand together with those addressing these important issues. Addressing this challenge is consistent with the international obligations of our governments. We encourage everyone to support and advance all human rights for all. An inclusive and diverse society based on equality, respect, and liberty benefits everyone.

Signatories:

• Embassy of Albania
• Embassy of Australia
• Embassy of Austria
• Embassy of Belgium
• Embassy of Canada
• Embassy of Cyprus
• Embassy of Denmark
• Embassy of Estonia
• Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia
• Embassy of Finland
• Embassy of France
• Embassy of Germany
• Embassy of Greece
• Embassy of Iceland to the Slovak Republic
• Embassy of Ireland
• Embassy of the State of Israel
• Embassy of Italy
• Embassy of Lithuania
• Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
• Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Embassy of New Zealand
• Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway
• Embassy of Portugal
• Embassy of Romania
• Embassy of Serbia
• Embassy of Spain
• Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia
• Embassy of Sweden
• Embassy of Switzerland
• Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Embassy of the United States of America

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