30 Embassies, Delegations and Permanent Missions support Vienna Pride 2017
We, the Diplomatic Missions of Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, joined by the European Commission Representation and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, express our support for the Vienna Pride festival “Many colours – one community” and will take part as a joint contingent of ‘Diplomats for Equality!’ in the Regenbogenparade on Saturday 17 June 2017.
We marked International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17 and now celebrate Vienna Pride 2017. We reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. International human rights law is grounded on the premise that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens of all societies, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons, should be able to live freely without fear of violence or discrimination, and play an active part in society.
Education, awareness-raising and dialogue are key tools in overcoming stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI persons. But more should be done to address ongoing and unacceptable instances of discrimination and/or persecution of LGBTI persons globally. This includes hate-motivated violence, arbitrary arrest and the application of the death penalty. More than 70 countries still criminalize same-sex conduct between consenting adults. We commit to continuing our work, including in the UN, the OSCE and the EU, to promote respect and non-discrimination against LGBTI persons.
We would once again like to thank the organisers of Vienna Pride 2017 and welcome Vienna’s decision to host EuroPride in 2019.