Europride 2022: joint statement

On the occasion of EuroPride 2022 in Belgrade, we express our full support for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community.

Serbia has made important steps towards strengthening equality for LGBTIQ+ people and their rights to non-discrimination, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom from violence, as enshrined in international commitments. Hosting EuroPride in Belgrade is a celebration and an acknowledgement of that progress.

We hope that a solution will be found before Saturday 17 September that will allow a EuroPride march to take place safely, legally and peacefully.

We reject and condemn all acts of violence, harassment, stigmatization and discrimination committed against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics and support the fight against hate speech, violence, and discrimination targeting LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities in all regions of the world, including Serbia.

We commit to listening to and supporting the work of grassroots human rights defenders, civil society organisations and community leaders. Their work on the frontlines makes a positive impact on LGBTIQ+ rights, often at personal risk.

We will continue to shed light on these and other injustices, and will continue advocating for everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love, to be protected and included.

Signed by the following embassies: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

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