MFA`s Council on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity at the MFA of Ukraine, and the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia , Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom,the Delegation of the EU to Ukraine and the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine
May 17, 2025
Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Council for Human Rights, Gender Equality and Diversity confirms its dedication to ensuring equal rights, protection of human dignity and deterrence of all forms of discrimination.
In the context of Russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine, the members of the Council are firmly convinced that respect for rights and freedoms of all people is the foundation of a democratic community, built on the principles of freedom, dignity, equality, non-discrimination, diversity and inclusion. All Ukrainians including those who belong to the LGBTQI+ persons – volunteers, activists, service members – are protecting the state and its sovereignty and are strengthening the resilience of Ukraine and democracy development.
Ukraine – a country that shares European values of freedom, dignity and the rule of law – consistently strengthens its legal and institutional foundation with regard to European standards in the human rights area. Therefore, the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy, approved by a Presidential Decree in 2021, remains ongoing at the national level
We welcome the ongoing legislative initiatives to address the long-standing issues of combating discrimination and hate crimes and the recognition of registered partnership, in line with the relevant rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and Ukraine’s European integration path.
The Members of the Council under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain committed to promoting systemic change to foster an open, just, and safe environment, free from prejudice, hostility, and discrimination.
On this day, we reaffirm our solidarity with all LGBTQI+ individuals in Ukraine and beyond. We call for inclusive dialogue, respect for diversity, and the consolidation of efforts to promote the values of dignity, freedom, equality and non-discrimination — values upheld by democratic Europe and for which the Ukrainian people are fighting today.