International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: Justice and Protection for All

Port Moresby - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) is an opportunity to raise awareness of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people. It is also a chance to celebrate our diversity.

Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights.

This 17 May, IDAHOT is focusing on justice and protection for all – both of which are central to driving progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Enacting and enforcing non-discriminatory laws and policies, repealing punitive laws and ensuring access to justice for all are also critical to delivering on the United Nations’ (UN) core commitment to leave no one behind.

“Stigma, discrimination and social and physical violence against sexual and gender minorities prevent them from accessing critical health services,” said UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Mr. Gianluca Rampolla “Everyone has the right to health, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. For that, we need zero discrimination for everyone, everywhere.”

In raising our voices against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and intersexphobia on the 17 May, the UN in PNG calls on all partners to reaffirm our commitment to respect human dignity and to champion human rights. We must do everything in our power to ensure justice and protection for all to ensure that no one is left behind.