Under-Secretary for Foreign AffairsBenedetto Della Vedova opened a European meeting today of national focal points for LGBTI rights organized by the Inter-Ministerial Council on Human Rights in collaboration with the UNAR.
“The European Union is at a turning point in relations with the LBGTI community”, Della Vedova underscored, recalling that 16 months ago the EU has adopted guidelines for the promotion and defence of the human rights of the LGBTI community, and supported the “Born Free and Equal” resolution of the United National Human Rights Council.
“The rights of LGBTI persons are therefore protected by international human rights law”, asserted Della Vedova, pointing out that over the years “many countries have made significant efforts on behalf of LGBTI rights, approving anti-discrimination laws, punishing crimes of hate associated with homophobia, ensuring the recognition of same-sex couples and facilitating transgender persons in obtaining documents that properly reflect their gender. “Nevertheless, we are aware that there is still much to be done”, Della Vedova concluded, “if we are to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity”.
