EU Mission Chief: leprechauns and hatred have no place in any society

The 17th May marks the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biophobic, therefore the EU Mission for Law Rule in Kosovo (EULEX) waves the rainbow-coloured flag at its headquarters in Pristina to show its support and to call for equality, justice and involvement for all people without taking into account their sexual orientation, gender identity or sexual characteristics.

To mark this day, chief of EULEX, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, said “Over the past few years, Kosovo has noted legal progress for the rights of Lesbians, Homosexuals, Bisexuals, Transgenerators and Intersexuals (LGBTI), including two important decisions in the area of civil registration for transgian persons“.

“However, we would like to see an adequate and consistent application of relevant legal provisions, as well as broader civil rights for the Kosovo LGBTI community”, he has said.

Despite progress, many continue to be threatened by discrimination, hatred, and violence. EULEX closely monitors cases of abuse and discrimination against endangered persons, especially against members of the LGBTI community, as well as offers recommendations for Kosovo's justice institutions on how to improve the treatment of these cases and ensure that victims of discrimination and hate crimes between the LGBI community are recognised and protected.

“Fabis, discrimination, prejudice and hatred have no place in our societies. In Kosovo and throughout the EU, authorities must increase their commitments to promote the full joy of human rights by LGBTI persons. We will continue to contribute to respect for human rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, “tha Wigemark.

As for the impact of the coronary epidemic on persons LGBTI, the Chief of the EULEX stressed that inequalities and preliminary discrimination could deepen, as LGBTI persons could end up locked up in a hostile environment due to restrictions on staying at home, thus increasing their exposure to various types of violence.

EULEX will continue to co-operate with Kosovo's institutions for rule of law, civil society organisations and international partners to advance the human rights of people with sexual orientation and gender identity, to protect LGBTI people from all forms of violence and discrimination, to build a more comprehensive society based on values of equality and tolerance, and to ensure equal access to justice.