The theme for this year’s March for Equality emphasizes security as a human right and obligation of the state.  Following attacks on similar events over the past year, the international community remains concerned about the safety of LGBTI Ukrainians, their friends, families, and all advocates for tolerance and diversity in Ukraine.  The diplomatic community plans to monitor and engage in the march as a reflection of our support for human rights, and we invite members of civil society and businesses to express their support too.

Ukraine has made significant progress in recognizing and protecting human rights, as demonstrated in the National Human Rights Strategy and supporting Action Plan.  In particular, protection from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was an important milestone.  We pledge our support to implementation of the Action Plan, including additional steps in the area of anti-discrimination for LGBTI citizens.

We look forward to a peaceful and safe March for Equality and continued progress toward equality for all Ukrainians.

H.E. Luc Jacobs, Ambassador of Belgium

H.E. Roman Waschuk, Ambassador of Canada

H.E. Christian Dons Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark

H.E. Juha Virtanen, Ambassador of Finland

H.E. Isabelle Dumont, Ambassador of France

H.E. Dr. Christof Weil, Ambassador of Germany

H.E. Fabrizio Romano, Ambassador of Italy

H.E. Kees Klompenhouwer, Ambassador of the Netherlands

H.E. Jon Elvedal Fredriksen, Ambassador of Norway

H.E. Andreas von Beckerath, Ambassador of Sweden

H.E. Mr. Guillaume Scheurer, Ambassador of Switzerland

H.E. Judith Gough,  Ambassador of the United Kingdom

H.E. Geoffrey Pyatt, Ambassador of the United States of America