Joint statement on the occasion of IDAHOT: Human rights are universal and apply equally to all people

Today on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), we, the undersigned, express our support for, and solidarity with, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Every citizen of BiH – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics - is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to be protected from discrimination and violence, and the right to peaceful assembly.

The strongest, safest, and most prosperous societies are those in which all citizens can live freely, without fear of violence or discrimination. LGBTI people in BiH also deserve to be accorded the same respect and dignity as their fellow citizens. They should enjoy a fair and equal opportunity to play a full and active part in their own society.

We stand ready to support the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with civil society organizations and all interested parties, in their efforts to ensure the protection of human rights and social inclusion of LGBTI people. Human rights are universal and apply equally to all people.

The first BiH Pride Parade announced for 8 September 2019 presents an important opportunity for the institutions in BiH to demonstrate their continued dedication to fundamental human rights for all, including ensuring the protection of their LGBTI citizens. Access to public space and the freedom of assembly are critical in the advancement of human rights for all members of our society and are guaranteed to all citizens of BiH by its Constitution and other legislation.

The Pride Parade is an opportunity for BiH – which prides itself on being an open, multicultural country that respects the rights of all individuals – to demonstrate tolerance and appreciation for diversity.  We look forward to seeing all public officials, institutions, and citizens of BiH working together to ensure that this event will be conducted peacefully, safely, and with dignity.

* The joint statement is issued by the

Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

The British Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The Diplomatic Office of the Kingdom of Belgium in Sarajevo

The Embassy of France in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Embassy of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Embassy of Spain in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Embassy of Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sarajevo

The Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina