Deputy Minister Benedetto Della Vedova participated in the event on the sidelines of the ministerial segment of the 76th United Nations General Assembly on the decriminalisation of sexual orientation and gender identity. The LGBTI UN Core Group organised the event.
“As a proud member of the LGBTI UN Core Group, it is a pleasure for me to speak on behalf of the Italian Government at this event”, began the Deputy Minister – “The fight against all forms of discrimination, including by urging the decriminalisation of sexual orientation and gender identity, is a key commitment of Italy’s international action. We are strongly committed to the promotion and protection of LGBTI rights in all multilateral fora to which we belong and in our bilateral relations.”
“As pointed out by the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity”, continued Della Vedova, “the Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated pre-existing inequalities and highlighted the critical condition of LGBTI persons who are particularly at risk of suffering multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion.”
“It is inconceivable that even today, 70 States criminalise LGBTI relationships. It is a social outrage and a legal and political affront to the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international conventions. Therefore, decriminalisation of all forms of sexual orientation is an essential step towards ensuring genuine equality before the law. The United Nations system must reinforce its action by developing an institutional strategy that builds on the efforts already made worldwide to strengthen respect for LGBTI rights.” – concluded the Deputy Minister.
Foreign Ministry Note – Della Vedova: UN strengthens action to respect LGBTI rights
