International community concerned about discrimination against LGBT people in Ukraine

The international community is concerned by reports from human rights defenders about cases of intolerance, discrimination and attacks on LGBTQI activists in Ukraine and the lack of accountability for these crimes, according to a joint statement on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, published by the British Embassy in Kyiv on Facebook on May 17.

In particular, the international community emphasizes its commitment to the protection and safeguarding of equal rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) Ukrainians, their friends, families, and all advocates for tolerance and equality in Ukraine.

"Ukraine has made notable progress in recognizing and protecting human rights, but this work remains unfinished. We are concerned by ongoing reports from human rights defenders about cases of intolerance, discrimination and attacks on LGBTIQ activists and the lack of accountability for these crimes," the statement reads.

It says the global COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in cases of intolerance and human rights violations, and LGBTIQ individuals are among the most vulnerable victims of discrimination and violence.

The reform of the National Police has shown positive tendencies in respecting human rights while protecting law and order in Ukraine; however, continued comprehensive reforms within the law-enforcement and judicial systems are necessary to provide everyone with a sense of safety, fairness and justice, the statement said.

"We urge the Ukrainian authorities to pursue the reforms and to provide equal rights and opportunities to all without discrimination. We welcome the recent approval of a new version of the National Human Rights Strategy; however, we continue to call on Ukraine to fully implement this Strategy and Action Plan, including by taking additional steps to provide comprehensive anti-discrimination measures for LGBTIQ persons," the statement reads.

Diplomats said they were following closely the progress of amendments to Ukraine's criminal code to expand the definition of hate crime to include crimes based on gender identity and sexual orientation. They also added that Ukraine can continue to count on the support of the international community in achieving these goals.

The statement has been sent on behalf of the Embassies of Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States, and of the Canadian Police Mission to Ukraine, the Delegation of the European Union and the European Union Advisory Mission.

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