This momentous occasion also serves as a reminder of the critical collective commitment to human rights, equality, and the urgent need to decriminalize same-sex relationships, the agency continued.
Proud to serve
Cleiton Eusebio, Senior Advisor for Communities and Key Populations, UNAIDS, said, “As a gay man and an activist for social justice for all, I am so proud to work for the UN’s Joint Programme to end AIDS.
“The UN is standing with communities, supporting them in leading the HIV response, confronting stigma, and building societies where every person is valued. May everyone feel pride in who they are this month and every month?”
Thanks in large part to efforts led by key populations, the world has seen substantial progress in the HIV response, said UNAIDS, creating the real possibility that AIDS can be eradicated once and for all.
But discrimination, violence, and stigma against LGBTQI people persist in many parts of the world, limiting access to essential services, including HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
Barriers to justice, equality, health
The agency said that criminalizing same-sex relationships remains a significant barrier to achieving social justice and equality for LGBTQI individuals and ensuring health for all.
Laws that criminalize consensual same-sex activity perpetuate stigma, contribute to violence and discrimination, and obstruct access to vital healthcare services, the agency reminded, calling on all governments to urgently repeal discriminatory laws and policies and to work towards creating an enabling legal and social environment that respects and protects the rights of LGBTQI people.
Significant gains have been won in advancing LGBTQI rights in crowded parts of the world, including decriminalizing same-sex relationships in several countries recently, from Angola to Singapore to Barbados.
However, other countries are imposing harsher criminal laws on same-sex relationships, including only this week, Uganda, where the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act” came into force, with some offences incurring the death penalty and a ruling of up to 20 years in jail, merely for promoting gay rights.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, added his congratulations in a festive tweet, calling on the whole international community to appreciate the richness and diversity of the LGBTIQ+ community “and honour their immense contributions to the human rights movement.”
UNAIDS Celebrates Pride Month
As the world comes together to celebrate Pride Month, UNAIDS stands in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) communities around the globe. Pride Month provides a chance to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and achievements of LGBTQI individuals while returning to the challenges they continue to face. This momentous occasion reminds us of our commitment to human rights, equality, and the urgent need to decriminalize same-sex relationships.
Cleiton Eusebio, Senior Advisor for Communities and Key Populations, UNAIDS, said, “As a gay man and an activist for social justice for all, I am so proud to work for the UN’s Joint Programme to end AIDS. The UN is standing with communities, supporting them in leading the HIV response, confronting stigma, and building societies where every person is valued. May everyone feel pride in who they are this month and every month?”
Thanks mainly to efforts led by key populations, the world has seen substantial progress in the HIV response. The end of AIDS is possible. However, inequalities stand in the way.
UNAIDS Champions Decriminalization Efforts
Discrimination, violence, and stigma against LGBTQI persist worldwide, limiting access to essential services, including HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
The criminalization of same-sex relationships remains a significant barrier to achieving social justice and equality for LGBTQI individuals and ensuring health for all. Laws criminalizing consensual same-sex activity perpetuate stigma, contribute to violence and discrimination, and obstruct access to vital healthcare services. UNAIDS calls on all governments to urgently repeal discriminatory laws and policies and to work towards creating an enabling legal and social environment that respects and protects the rights of LGBTQI people.
The decriminalization of same-sex relationships is a crucial step in our collective efforts to end the AIDS pandemic. When marginalized communities are criminalized or stigmatized, their vulnerability to HIV infection increases, and their access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and bear services is obstructed.
Significant gains have been won in advancing LGBTQI rights in numerous parts of the world, including decriminalizing same-sex relationships in several countries—from Angola to Singapore to Barbados. However, other countries are imposing harsher criminal laws on same-sex relationships. Decriminalizing homosexuality is essential to ensuring the end of AIDS.
UNAIDS will be taking part in the Geneva Pride march on 10th June. Pride Month is a vital reminder of the need for governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to join together to protect and promote human rights for all, whatever of sexual orientation, gender identity, or utterance. Together, we can build a world that upholds equality, justice, and dignity for everyone.
