Joint Statement

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