LGBTQI+ persons remain among the least protected in Georgia, international partners declare

LGBTQI+ persons remain among the least protected and most marginalised in Georgia. They face discrimination and violence, which often are underreported, while the protection and realisation of their rights remain a challenge, says a joint statement issued by the United Nations system in Georgia, the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, the Embassies of the EU, United Kingdom, United States and other countries to Georgia.

On the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), they reiterated their solidarity with LGBTQI+ persons and urged Georgian state, political, civic and religious leaders to spare no effort to fight discrimination, stigma and violence against LGBTQI+ communities.

“We take note that several individuals were sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in the shameful events of 5 July 2021 that led to the disruption of the March for Dignity and resulted in violence against LGBTQI+ persons and the media,” says the statement. “We urge the authorities to bring all instigators and perpetrators of violence to justice.”

The statement also notes that there are a growing number of people in Georgia who support diversity, believe that protection of human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is important, and consider restrictions of the right to assembly and expression for LGBTQI+ communities unacceptable.

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Press release