Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Many international events will take place this day, intended to raise awareness about discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and to promote respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
The UK Government is committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of LGBT people as an element of our wider international human rights work and in line with human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Despite this, for example, same-sex relations continue to be criminalised in over 70 countries and in some are punished by death.
The UK opposes all forms of violence and discrimination against LGBT people. We promote and protect the rights of LGBT people in the UK and abroad through international institutions, including the UN, EU, Council of Europe and the Commonwealth. Similar concerns led to South Africa introducing the UN Resolution on ‘Human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity’ , which was passed last June. However much work still needs to be done in Africa and beyond.
Homosexuality is illegal in many African countries, including Ethiopia. And I understand that LGBT rights are a highly sensitive issue here. But I urge the Ethiopian government and people to protect and respect the human rights of LGBT people. Confronting discrimination and promoting open discussion on related issues is critical when it comes to changing attitudes and allowing LGBT people to play a full role in society. And to enable that society to benefit from the skills of all of its citizens.