The need for collective action to promote the rights of LGBTI+ people throughout Europe, but also in the world, was underlined by the European Forum IDAHOT+ 2022, which took place on Thursday in Limassol.
The Forum is the most important annual event, organized by the European Network of LGBTI+ Governmental Focal Points (EFPN) and coordinated by the Council of Europe, to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and to strengthen European cooperation on SOGIESC equality policies.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, thanked the Cyprus Government and the organisers of the Forum and expressed her support to Cyprus for the work it is doing in the area of LGBTQI equality.
Dalli pointed out that it is most important for the dialogue with the civil society, either on a local, national or European level, to move forward and affirm the rights of everyone. ‘’We have the LGBTI+ equality strategy; we are in the second year of implementation’’, she added. She also congratulated Cyprus for adopting its first national strategy on LGBTI+ equality.
On her part, President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, stated that “ensuring equality and defending diversity is a key principle for us, which we must defend.”
Replying to a question, Demetriou said that several steps have been taken in Cyprus to strengthen relevant legislation, however issues are still pending, such as the bill on gender reassignment, which is in the Law Office and is expected to be submitted to the Parliament.
Minister of Justice, Stephie Dracos, said that this is a very important day for the LGBTI+ community and expressed her commitment to establishing cities that are fair, equal and inclusive. ‘’What is most important is not just changing legislation. What is important and more challenging is to change the culture of people’’, she pointed out.
‘’Here in Cyprus, both myself and the government of Cyprus, we will work and we are committed to work for both. And we will continue to work until we reach our final targets’’, said Dracos.
British High Commissioner Stephen Lillie said that a very strong message is sent about the genuine cross society coalition and consensus that it is coming together on the importance of advancing the rights to LGBT+ people in Europe and around the world. He also stated It is a particular privilege for the UK to be co-hosting the forum with Cyprus.
‘’Internationally we are at something of a crossroad in the history of LGBTI+ rights’’, said Lillie, adding that LGBTI+ people continue to face routine harassment, discrimination in different parts of the world. ‘’They must have the same rights, the same opportunities the same dignity as all the members of a community’’, he pointed out.
Source: Cyprus News Agency