Joint statement on Pride Month 2020

We, the undersigned Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, affirm the inherent dignity of each individual as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and call upon the government of the Russian Federation to adhere to its stated commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community. Unfortunately, LGBTI individuals throughout the world continue to face violence, harassment, and discrimination simply because of who they are, and law enforcement authorities often turn a blind eye to the hate speech and hate crimes that are still prevalent in many countries.

This June, we celebrate Pride Month by applauding LGBTI activists and their allies, who are working to ensure that every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, receives the full protection of the law. Human rights are universal. Everyone is entitled to their full enjoyment.

Ambassador Graeme Meehan Australia

Ambassador Alison LeClaire Canada

Chargé d’Affaires Kelsie Wilkinson New Zealand

Ambassador Deborah Bronnert United Kingdom

Ambassador John Sullivan United States of America