International Institutions stand up on May 17, 2019

Many international institutions mark the Day annually. We collected some of these interventions here below, but this list is only partial. We only focus here on initiatives at HQ levels but many representations of international institutions mark May 17 at the national level too. If you have more contributions for this page, please write us.

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The United Nation’s Free and Equal campaign has this year again released a beautiful special video for May 17

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UNAIDS executive director Gunilla Carlsson said we all had a moral and legal obligation to remove discriminatory laws and enact laws that protected people from discrimination. Full statement HERE

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UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore’s message HERE “Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we stand together and commit to shaping a more diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace for all UNICEF staff members, no matter who they are or where they work.”

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has launched this week a series of consultations to identify ways of ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) refugees are better protected against harm, and are able to seek justice and support when they experience violence and discrimination. Details HERE

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Declaration by UN Women

“We need to change the social norms that lead to the exclusion of LGBTI people, that keep them living in the shadows, in shame, that rupture their ties with their families and communities. LGBTI people are vibrant, resilient, and create their own strong families and communities.”

Read the full declaration here

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EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS

Full Declaration by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU HERE

This page also contains a great short video which we absolutely recommend you watch

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The World Bank organised its first-ever virtual reality (VR) experience staff training at the World Bank Headquarters on May 17. The VR space aims to familiarize World Bank Group staff with key aspects of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), and provides them with an opportunity to learn and reflect on the experiences and challenges faced by their LGBTI colleagues. Throughout the day, staff have the opportunity to “walk” into this virtual space, and learn and reflect about the experience of LGBTI colleagues. All details and video with many leading members of the Bank’s SOGI Taskforce here on the WB website

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Commonwealth

The Secretary-General says securing equal rights and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is essential to achieving the sustainable development goals.

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IOE Vice-President to the International Labour Organization STATEMENT

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) for the first time by hosting two events over 2 days at ADB headquarters in Manila. More info HERE

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International Trade Union Congress commits to fighting for Equality. Info HERE

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The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS). More info here

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In chicago, The Irish and Australian Consulates co-hosted an event to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia with guest speakers