Democracy, Rule of Law and Equality
February, for example, we pressed the government of Nigeria to explain its position on LGBT rights, how it tackles incidences of violence against LGBT people, and its plans for promoting further social inclusion. As a rule, we look to raise issues on the rights of LGBT people as a matter of course when a country of concern is under review. There were some positive developments on LGBT rights internationally in 2009. We welcomed confirmation from the Rwandan parliament on 22 December that an anti-homosexuality clause has been dropped from the penal code review, and hope that a similar resolution will be reached in relation to the private member’s bill introduced in Uganda. In July, the Delhi High Court in India struck down India’s 148year old law banning homosexual acts. In December,
Mexico City’s Legislative Assembly legalised same-sex marriages and adoption by same-sex couples and Austria legalised same-sex unions. We welcome these developments recognising the rights of LGBT people around the world. Disability Rights The UK is one of the leaders within the field on disability rights. We strongly support the obligations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which builds on existing international human rights instruments to reaffirm explicitly the human rights of disabled people. An Optional Protocol supplements the Convention with additional implementation and monitoring procedures. The UK ratified the Convention on 8 June and the Optional Protocol on 7 August.
Showing support for Pride marches shown by UK Embassies during Pride events. One In 2009, UK Embassies across Central and Eastern said, “I cannot begin to tell you how proud I feel Europe demonstrated our support for LGBT rights of my country (the UK) for doing this but one by taking part in Pride marches, flying the rainbow measure perhaps is that as I landed yesterday at flag and speaking out in support. In Budapest, Gatwick I had tears in my eyes. I cannot begin to we coordinated a press release in support of the tell you how much it means to me that my pride as Budapest Pride organisers with 12 other Embassies a lesbian and my pride in my country are now no from four continents, including the US and South longer in conflict but by being together are in fact Africa, and hosted a reception for those who had compounded.” joined in the press release. Later, Embassy officials We were dismayed by the hostile reception to and family members joined in the Pride Parade. In many of these marches in 2009 and in some cases Riga, we welcomed Baltic Pride by co-sponsoring a the violent attacks on their participants. During reception with a local NGO group and hosting tea 2010, the UK Government will again offer its full for the march’s organisers. In Bucharest, the Embassy support to LGBT people during Pride season. We hosted a barbecue for local human rights activists, hope that everyone who participates in the marches NGOs, politicians and the media to coincide with enjoys them as a celebration of human rights and as “GayFest” week; Embassy staff subsequently joined a statement against discrimination and persecution. in the GayFest parade. In Sofia, the Embassy issued a statement of support to all those celebrating diversity at the Rainbow Friendship Rally. And in Warsaw we hosted a reception for the Polish Pride march organisers and provided them with a Polish translation of the FCO programme on Promoting the human rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. A number of LGBT marchers expressed their gratitude for the various demonstrations of support Polish riot police at a Pride event in Warsaw on 13 June
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