The Commonwealth Equality Network would like to extend our solidarity and appreciation to the LGBTI+ communities and organisations in the United Kingdom, who have stood up and spoken out against the treatment of trans persons by the UK Government.
As a network comprised of over 65 civil society organisations working to uphold the human rights of LGBTI+ persons in some of the most challenging contexts across the Commonwealth, we know first-hand the violence and harm faced by trans persons and the necessity of collaboration and solidarity in ensuring they, like all LGBTI+ persons, are able to live free from violence and discrimination.
Ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda in June, we feel it especially important to reiterate our profound belief in the Commonwealth Charter, which states unequivocally that human rights cannot be applied selectively. It is essential that we come together to denounce and counteract any actions that seek to undermine the full application of human rights for all, and we would like to commend the UK’s LGBTI+ civil society for demonstrating – in both action and passion – that we cannot deliver a common future without the human rights of all LGBTI+ persons being recognised, respected and protected everywhere.
Solidarity with our trans siblings and all LGBTI+ persons, across the Commonwealth and the world.
– The Commonwealth Equality Network