The Council of Europe welcomes the statement issued by the Council of Europe Group of Friends on LGBTI Rights on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia, and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT), and signed by 29 member States.
The statement reaffirms a shared commitment to equality, non-discrimination and the protection of the human rights and dignity of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). It also highlights the importance of upholding the core values of the Council of Europe – human rights, democracy and the rule of law – and expresses concern about rising hate speech, violence and disinformation targeting LGBTI people in Europe and beyond.
The Council of Europe welcomes the continued engagement and initiatives of the Group of Friends on LGBTI Rights, including their support for the Organisation’s work to advance equality and combat discrimination. The statement’s recognition of the contribution of the Committee of Experts on SOGIESC reflects the importance of continued intergovernmental cooperation to ensure that Council of Europe standards are effectively implemented in practice.
The Council of Europe is co-organising the 2026 European IDAHOT+ Forum, under the theme “Pushing for Progress: Addressing Challenges and Shaping the Future of LGBTI Equality in Europe” on 19 May 2026 in Copenhagen. This 13th edition of the Forum is hosted by Denmark in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers to mark IDAHOT. The Forum is an important annual opportunity to advance LGBTI equality and strengthen policy dialogue across Europe.
