On the occasion of the 2024 International Day against Homophobia, Biophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), 17 May, entitled “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all”, Chair of the Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity (SOC) Bryony Rudkin (United Kingdom, SOC/G/PD), reiterated the Congress’ commitment to combating any form of discrimination against LGBTIQ persons notably at the local level.
“Leaving no one behind, be it in the protection of human rights or in the provision of services at local level, is indeed the main concern for both local and regional authorities serving all people living on their territories in a fair and equal manner,” she said. “Local and regional politicians are very much aware of the different contexts where LGBTIQ persons may be discriminated, be it in educational institutions, labour markets or media conveying stereotypes and violence. The Congress has notably paid attention to these matters in its 2021 reports on “Protecting LGBTI people in the context of rising anti-LGBTI hate speech and discrimination: The role of local and regional authorities” and “The role of local and regional authorities with regard to the situation of LGBTI people in Poland”, but also via the participation in international events, such as the European IDAHOT+ Forum 2023 in Reykjavik, Iceland,” continued Ms Rudkin.
“In the face of various crisis situations and a trend towards democratic backsliding in many countries, it is vital to ensure that local actions continue to be based on tolerance, non-discrimination and non-violence. In 2024, the Congress, and in particular its new Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity (SOC), will continue to promote such values in a cross-cutting manner, through its thematic activities on ageing communities, human trafficking and housing, before developing new specific LGBTIQ activities in the future,” she concluded.
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