Diplomatic missions to Myanmar underscore need for press freedom
More than 80 journalists have been detained since a February 1 coup by the military, more than half of whom remain in custody, reports DPA news agency.
On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT Day), 34 diplomatic missions in the Capital reaffirmed their countries’ strong commitment to promote the universality of human rights and to ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, enjoys these rights without discrimination.
The signatories to the joint pledge were the missions of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.
Every year, around May or June, these countries and their civil societies work together to support, organise or participate in a wide range of events to celebrate the diversity of their citizens, to reduce discrimination and misinformation about the LGBTI community, to build on individual and collective achievements, and to highlight what needs to be done to ensure human dignity and equality for all human beings.
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Events are as diverse as the countries and communities that host them, but usually concentrate around IDAHOT day on 17 May, LGBTI Pride marches and events in June, and sometimes at other moments of the year such as on Human Rights Day on 10 December.
This year, events organised by foreign missions in New Delhi around IDAHOT day included the lighting up of embassies in the iconic colours of the LGBTI rainbow flag, hoisting the rainbow flag on the embassies’ flagpoles, LGBTI film screenings, lectures, as well as social media campaigns using the hashtags #MyCountry4Equality and #IDAHOT2018.
These diverse celebrations raise awareness about this important issue and foster a sense of community and belonging to advance human rights for all throughout the world. When all persons are protected on the basis of equality and with dignity, global stability is enhanced.
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