This joint assertion is issued by the United Nations system in Georgia, the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the Embassies to Georgia of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Eire, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US, and the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia
Immediately, on the Worldwide Day in opposition to Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we reiterate our solidarity with the lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) neighborhood in Georgia. LGBTQI+ individuals stay among the many least protected and most marginalized in Georgia. They face discrimination and violence, which regularly are underreported, whereas the safety and realization of their rights stay a problem.
We remorse that as in earlier years, issues of security and safety stop folks from brazenly displaying their solidarity with the LGBTQI+ neighborhood and elevating their voices in opposition to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Georgia.
We want to stress that the Authorities of Georgia is answerable for safeguarding the fitting to peaceable meeting, stopping discrimination and violence, and making certain that everybody in Georgia can commemorate IDAHOBIT brazenly and publicly in full confidence that their rights and security are duly protected.
We take be aware that a number of people have been sentenced to jail phrases for his or her involvement within the shameful occasions of 5 July 2021 that led to the disruption of the March for Dignity and resulted in violence in opposition to LGBTQI+ individuals and the media. We urge the authorities to carry all instigators and perpetrators of violence to justice.
On the similar time, we welcome {that a} rising variety of Georgian residents assist range and consider that safety of human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals is essential. A current survey factors in the direction of a continued improve within the share of Georgians who think about restrictions of the fitting to meeting and expression for LGBTQI+ communities unacceptable and consider that the State doesn’t reply adequately to acts of violence and discrimination in opposition to the LGBTQI+ individuals.[1]
State coverage and observe should align with Georgia’s worldwide commitments and reply to those social adjustments by duly making certain that LGBTQI+ rights are successfully protected, together with by means of the forthcoming Nationwide Human Rights Technique and Motion Plan. Enhanced social safety measures are wanted to assist susceptible LGBTQI+ individuals battling meals and housing insecurity, an elevated threat of homelessness and boundaries in accessing healthcare.
We urge Georgian state, political, civic and non secular leaders to spare no effort to combat discrimination, stigma and violence inside their respective areas of duty, together with by embracing respectful and compassionate public discourse and interesting in constructive dialogue with LGBTQI+ communities in searching for options to essentially the most urgent challenges.
We stand united for the fitting of all folks to reside free and equal in security and dignity and stay dedicated to supporting the folks of Georgia in constructing an inclusive society that empowers and protects all its members.
[1] Ladies’s Initiatives Assist Group (WISG)/SIDA/UNW/UNDP/UNFPA, (2022), ‘From Prejudice to Equality: Examine on Public Information, Consciousness and Attitudes in the direction of LGBT(Q)I Group and Authorized Equality’, retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3yDd9XG
Source United Nations Georgia
By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi | 17 Could, 2022 | Matters: Human Rights, Key Paperwork, Information
