EULEX Press Releases

EULEX Press Releases

EULEX Marks the International Day against Homophobia

17 May 2016

Today EULEX Mission in Kosovo joins efforts around the world in commemorating the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. 

“On this day we reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights are human rights that underline the dignity of every person. All people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are free to live without prejudice, fear, violence or discrimination”, said Gabriele Meucci, Head of EULEX Mission in Kosovo.  “I would like to stress that EULEX supports the protection of the rights of the LGBTI community as an important part of Kosovo’s rule of law, ensuring that these rights are based on the fundamental principles of non-discrimination and maintaining full protection of the law enforcement agencies”, he said.

LGBTI rights are enshrined in EU legal framework prohibiting discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights asserts that "any discrimination based on any ground such as sexual orientation shall be prohibited”. In addition the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union makes in Articles 10 and 19 provisions for combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

EULEX Mission will  mark its support for equal treatment, tolerance and respect for diversity  of the LGBTI community in Kosovo by flying the rainbow flag in all the EULEX compounds.