European Commission Representation in Ireland expresses support for Dublin Pride 2024

DIPLOMATS FOR EQUALITY DUBLIN PRIDE STATEMENT 2024

The Ambassadors and chargés d’affaires of the Diplomatic Missions of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Perú, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Ukraine, joined by the Heads of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, the Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and Eurofound would like to express our continued commitment in favour of diversity and inclusion as we celebrate Dublin Pride 2024.

We express our full and continuous support of the LGTBQ+ communities, the work of Dublin Pride to promote and celebrate equality, as well as other like-minded organisations and services advocating for equal rights for all. We are against discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Everyone, everywhere, should have the freedom to express themselves and to choose whom to love, without any threat of harassment, violence, discrimination, or retaliation. We are pleased to be part of the joint contingent of ‘Diplomats for Equality’ supporting LGTBQ+ rights during Pride Week, advocating for inclusivity, acceptance, and freedom for all individuals.

We reaffirm the human rights of all LGTBQ+ persons. We are committed to championing equal rights and dignity for LGTBQ+ persons internationally and support those who defend them.

During Pride Week, we not only rejoice in the progress which has been made, but also reflect on the important work that still lies ahead. We reaffirm our aspiration for a world where every person can live freely and authentically without fear.

Still 64 jurisdictions criminalise same-sex conduct between consenting adults. There continue to be instances of discrimination and/or persecution of LGTBQ+ communities worldwide and we are deeply concerned to see LGTBQ+ rights being rolled back across the world in recent years. This includes hate-motivated violence, arbitrary arrest, and the application of the death penalty and prison sentences in some parts of the world simply for being part or a supporter of an LGTBQ+ community. By denying or putting at risk their political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights, the whole of society is weakened. We urge countries to introduce or amend legislation to protect LGTBQ+ persons from all forms of discrimination and to protect their human rights, which are the rights of us all.

As representatives of our respective countries and institutions, we are committed to promoting freedom, equality, acceptance and respect for all individuals. In order to achieve this, we must strive to promote societies that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Education, raising awareness, and dialogue are key tools to achieve this. Dublin Pride and Pride organisations around the world play a fundamental role in this work, in advocating for equal rights and addressing outstanding challenges.

“Shine” is the theme of this year’s festival and, while celebrating 50 years of Dublin Pride, we applaud the courageous advocacy efforts carried out by human rights defenders, activists, civil society organisations, and committed individuals defending LGTBQ+ rights. Today we specially recognise young people, honouring their bravery in standing up for their beliefs. We also celebrate the freedom of everyone to express the importance of being able to be seen, to be allowed to show joy and pride while promoting LGTBQ+ rights.

As a diplomatic community, our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power. Let us continue to advocate for freedom, equality, justice and love for all, and let us never waver in our commitment to building a more inclusive and accepting world for future generations.