Joint Statement on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in the Republic of Moldova*

Chisinau, 17 May 2021 –

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which is celebrated today, we express our solidarity and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in the Republic of Moldova, many of whom are discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics.

Every state is obliged to respect, promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone within its jurisdiction. The responsibility of states includes the protection of all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, from violence and discrimination. States must also ensure that all citizens enjoy equal opportunities and equal treatment.

Our governments seek to combat violence, hate speech and discrimination by promoting and protecting the human rights of all. LGBTI people enjoy the same rights and freedoms to which all individuals, everywhere, are entitled. All people should be free to be themselves, no matter who they are and whom they love.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects the whole of humanity, but it has a particularly strong impact on vulnerable people, including LGBTI persons. We call on all people, everywhere, to show tolerance and mutual respect for their fellow citizens as, together, we emerge from this crisis.

From 15-20 June, the 20th LGBTI “Moldovan Pride Festival” will take place, mostly online, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic conditions which do not allow gatherings for festivals and marches. Despite this context, we strongly reaffirm on this day our full support to LGBTI people in the Republic of Moldova. We hope the central message of the “Moldova Pride” will be heard loudly and clearly: the values of tolerance and respect for diversity remain fundamental to open democratic societies.

* The joint statement is issued by the missions of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.