MFA`s Council on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity at the MFA of Ukraine, and the Embassies of Australia, Austria, Canada, Cyprus, Czechia , Denmark, Estonia , Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the EU in Ukraine
Today, on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT+), we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding equality and respect for the human rights and dignity of all members of society, including LGBTQI+ persons and their allies.
We acknowledge that the strength of a democratic nation lies in solidarity and diversity, and that full participation by all people in all areas of life benefits the society as a whole. LGBTQI+ individuals – volunteers, activists, fundraisers – are integral contributors to Ukraine’s resilience to Russia’s ongoing full-scale military invasion. LGBTQI+ soldiers are defending Ukraine’s future from Russian aggression on the frontlines as Ukrainian citizens.
We recognize that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to severely impact all spheres of life, including for LGBTQI+ persons in Ukraine. We are deeply concerned by reports of the human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by Russian forces and their proxies against the LGBTQI+ individuals including on the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine.
Russia continues to exploit disinformation about and hatred against LGBTIQ+ persons to undermine the unity around our shared values – democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and protection of minorities through its virulent disinformation campaigns.
We strongly condemn Russia’s violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms against LGBTQI+ persons and representatives of other groups – within its own territory, on the Russian-occupied territory of Ukraine and other countries.
Ukraine has made notable progress in recognizing and protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. At the same time, there is always room for more action to protect the rights of every person.
We welcome the legislative initiatives to address the long-standing issues of combating discrimination and hate crimes (bill 5488) and the recognition of registered partnerships (bill 9103). Partners of LGBTQI+ soldiers injured or killed in action should have the right to hospital visits, to make medical or burial decisions or to participate on equal footing in any other legal matters.
Recent opinion polls clearly indicate an improvement in the public perception of LGBTQI+ persons, with the vast majority of respondents agreeing that LGBTQI+ persons should be protected from discrimination, and a majority of respondents supporting the recognition of civil partnerships. Considering these positive societal shifts, we urge all stakeholders to continue an open dialogue and call for courage and leadership in supporting these legislative initiatives.
