Foreign officials express support for, solidarity with LGBTQI+ individuals in Georgia
The Georgian Interior Ministry has announced that police will ensure public order, safety and freedom of expression during the events marking the IDAHOT in Tbilisi between May 15-20. Photo: Tbilisi Pride/Instagram archive
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On International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the diplomatic corps and international organisations express support for and solidarity with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community in Georgia.
The joint statement was issued by the European Union delegation, the embassies of EU member states, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the United Nations in Georgia, and Heads of the Council of Europe Office and the EU Monitoring Mission.
UN in Georgia has tweeted:
On #IDAHOBIT, @ungeorgia @EUinGeorgia, embassies of ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????@usingeo @AustriaInGe @SwedeninGE @CanadaGeorgia @ItalyinGeorgia @UKinGeorgia @CoeGeorgia @EUMMGeorgia express support for and solidarity with #LGBTIQ+ community in #Georgia https://t.co/SmcJ3YgD40
— UN in Georgia (@ungeorgia) May 16, 2021
The signatories say that LGBTQI+ people in Georgia ‘continue to face bias, stigma, diminished opportunities in political, social and economic inclusion, as well as experience violent hate incidents and crimes’.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the vulnerability of LGBTIQ+ people by amplifying prior injustices and obstacles in accessing healthcare, social protection and decent work. Recognising that LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights, we call on all relevant actors in Georgia to take resolute action to put an end to all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression”, the joint letter reads.
It further says that this year Georgia ‘continues to ensure that its people are shielded from the worst impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and starts the road towards recovery’.
In its response to the pandemic, Georgia has seen first-hand the benefits of social solidarity. We are confident that the same spirit can help Georgia eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and embrace diversity, tolerance and empowerment of all people in Georgia as a source of strength. Underlining our shared commitment to equal rights for all, we pledge our support in this effort”, the foreign officials say.
May 17 marks 31 years since the World Health Organisation recognised that homosexuality is not a mental disorder.
The Georgian Interior Ministry has announced that police will ensure public order, safety and freedom of expression during the events marking the IDAHOT in Tbilisi between May 15-20.