IDAHOTB » Europe

Council of Europe supports IDAHOT 2016

IDAHO — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:27:25 +0000

The Council of Europe, Europe’s central organisation for the promotion of human rights, freedom and development, have today come out in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. In a statement released online Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland also supported a special focus on LGBTI youth across the world. According to the statement, discrimination of young LGBTI individuals should have no place in schools, and that more should be done by educators and policymakers to address these issues.

For the full statement please click here.

Football V Homophobia: European sports grants for IDAHOT 2016

IDAHO — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:21:44 +0000

The European Football V Homophobia and Fare Network have this week opened applications for the 2016 small grants scheme. The fund is available to independent groups across Europe that use sports and football to promote diversity and tackle discrimination.

Up to 20 groups will be awarded €400 each. Applications close May 2. For more information and to apply online please visit the Football V Homophobia website.

Please note: Football V Homophobia and the Fare Network are independent organisations and are not directly association with the IDAHOT Committee. Funding decisions are not made by the IDAHOT Committee.

European Institutions mobilised against Homophobia and Transphobia on IDAHOT

Joel Bedos — Fri, 22 May 2015 08:06:22 +0000

Almost all major EU institutions marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). The European Parliament, the European Commission and the European External Action Service all issued statements on this occasion.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU

The High Representative of the European Union, issued a written statement on behalf of the EU, affirming the EU’s commitment to refuse discrimination on any grounds.

“On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the EU stands together with LGBTI people all around the world in the struggle to end discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. All human beings are equal in dignity and all are entitled to enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

[…] the EU will continue to advocate measures to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons, and to actively promote their rights.”

Read the full statement by Federica Mogherini

Vera Jourová, Commissioner for Justice

Commissioner Jourová issued a video message and a statement, affirming her commitment to the adoption of EU anti-discrimination legislation, including on the grounds of sexual orientation.

“We are all born equal in dignity and rights. I am working in close cooperation with Member States to win their support on the Equal Treatment Directive, providing further protection from discrimination. It is my aim to secure its adoption as soon as possible.

[…] Only by eliminating discrimination, we can ensure that every individual is given the opportunity of full participation in our social and economic life. “

Read the full statement by Commissioner JourovἯspan>

Watch the video message by Commissioner JourovἯspan>

Dimitrios Papadimoulis and Ulrike Lunacek, Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament

Also the European Parliament issued a statement, with statements by Vice-Presidents Dimitrios Papadimoulis and Ulrike Lunacek.

“Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is illegal and is prohibited in the EU. The European Parliament together with civil society has had a strong influence on this.”

“The fight for equality continues. The whole of society needs to take an active role in reducing prejudice as this is an aspect that affects everyone.”

President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz tweeted: “Much still to be done to end discrimination & homophobia outside and inside EU. A political as well as cultural battle.”

Read the full press release by the European Parliament