UN, EU, diplomatic corps welcome increased support for LGBTQI+ rights in Georgia, call for further efforts

Diplomatic missions and foreign representations in Georgia on Wednesday released a statement on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. Photo EU delegation in Georgia 

Agenda.ge, 17 May 2023 - 13:21, Tbilisi,Georgia

The United Nations and the European Union representation in Georgia, along with 28 foreign embassies in the country, on Wednesday welcomed the increased public support for the protection of minority rights in Georgia but expressed concerns of “stalled progress” in ensuring their protection.

In their joint message on International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the missions said the number of the country’s citizens agreeing with the necessity of protection of LGBTQI+ rights had doubled since 2015, and welcomed protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in the domestic legislation since 2014.

We acknowledge the efforts of various state institutions and civil society organisations in ensuring full protection of human rights and freedoms”, the statement said, while noting “despite these efforts, progress has stalled”.

Queer communities across the country “continue to experience prejudice, discrimination, stigma, hostility and violence on a daily basis”, the release noted.

Joined by the European Investment Bank’s Regional Representation for the South Caucasus and the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, they said recently adopted national policy documents - the 2022-2030 National Human Rights Strategy, the State Concept of Georgia on Gender Equality and the national development strategy Vision 2030 - failed to include measures to strengthen protection and inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons.