LGBTI persons are often victims of discrimination, social exclusion and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These behaviours are manifestations of homophobia and/or transphobia. For several years the Congress of the Council of Europe has been working to combat discrimination against LGBTI people by addressing recommendations to local and regional as well as national authorities. It also organises fact-finding missions to examine particular situations in certain countries.

The Congress published in 2019 "Human rights handbook for local and regional authorities". One of its three chapters aims to combating discrimination against LGBTI people. Examples presented include the establishment of codes of conduct prohibiting discriminatory attitudes towards LGBTI people, training of officials including municipal police officers and consultation with the LGBTI community in the development of local policies. Some of the issues addressed in the Handbook are presented below. To view the whole content, download the Handbook in PDF format.

 Download : Human Rights Handbook Vol. I (Pdf)

Congress texts

Inge Hannon
Co-secretary of the Current Affairs Committee

Email: [email protected]