Published on: 2026-05-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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On the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, which is observed on May 17, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türck stated that the rights of LGBTI people in many countries are experiencing a dangerous rollback. In the statement published on Friday, he emphasized that “the struggle for freedom, equality, and dignity is far from over.”
Tyurk noted that significant steps forward have been made over the past year: Saint Lucia decriminalized same-sex relationships, Botswana excluded punitive provisions from legislation, Nepal elected a transgender woman to parliament for the first time, and the European Court of Justice recognized the Hungarian ban on materials about sexual orientation and gender identity as a violation of fundamental rights.
However, according to the Commissioner, new disturbing trends overshadow these achievements. More than a third of the world’s countries continue to criminalize same-sex relationships, and in some, they are punishable by death. Over the past year, Burkina Faso introduced criminal liability for same-sex relations, Senegal increased prison terms, and similar initiatives are being considered in Ghana. In Belarus and Kazakhstan, laws have been adopted that restrict the dissemination of information on LGBTQI topics.
Tyurk also pointed to the increase in persecution of activists and representatives of the LGBTQ+ communities in Cameroon, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, and other countries. “The poisonous rhetoric of some politicians,” he said, “contributes to a surge in online hate against transgender people. According to 2024 research data, about 85 percent of election campaigns worldwide featured attacks on representatives of sexual minorities. Human rights defenders are particularly concerned about the situation of youth: approximately 45 percent of LGBTQ+ teenagers worldwide report bullying at school.”
The Commissioner for Human Rights called on the state to repeal discriminatory laws, investigate violations, and hold the guilty accountable, as well as ensure protection against online hate. He emphasized the necessity of expanding the participation of LGBT people in politics, business, culture, and education, noting that the normalization of discrimination “creates a breeding ground for broader repression.”
Tyurk called to “together defend the right to a free life and love,” emphasizing that societies that embrace diversity become more resilient, creative, and peaceful.
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