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European Commission Representation in Cyprus
Press release12 May 2022Representation in Cyprus

Commissioner Helena Dali today in Limassol for the IDAHOT+ Forum

Commissioner Dalli is in Limassol, Cyprus for the European IDAHOT+ Forum, co-hosted by the governments of Cyprus and the United Kingdom. 

Visit of Helena Dalli, European Commissioner, to Cyprus

The IDAHOT+ Forum is a major European level annual event organised by the European Network of LGBTI Governmental Focal Points (EFPN), coordinated by the Council of Europe, to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Interphobia on 17 May.

This year’s Forum has a focus on the unprecedented and unjustified act of aggression from Russia on the European continent, and Commissioner Dalli will speak at the high-level discussion on “War in Ukraine: Challenges to our Common European Values Through the Experiences of LGBTI+ People”.

Commissioner Dalli said, “The invasion of Ukraine brought heightened risks of violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ people both within Ukraine and in the countries where they are received as refugees. I will make clear that the EU must go above and beyond in ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, regardless of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.

The Commissioner is meeting with Stefie Dracou, Minister of Justice, and Prodromos Prodromou, Minister of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, as well as Annita Demetriou, President of the Parliament to discuss how Cyprus can contribute to EU action on LGBTIQ equality, especially through the adoption of a national strategy stemming from the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy. Apart from the overall strategy, they will discuss equality in education, legal gender recognition for trans and non-binary persons, and access to medical and pharmaceutical care for trans, non-binary and intersex people.

Commissioner Dalli said, “Nearly half of young Cypriot students aged 15 to 17 hide or disguise being LGBTI at school. This is of concern. Everybody in the EU should feel safe and free to be who they ae at all times. In my view, the current top priority for Cyprus is the adoption of its draft national Action Plan and make sure to deliver change on the ground.

As is customary, the Commissioner will give due time and attention to dialogue with civil society organisations. Commissioner Dalli will meet with Accept, the Cypriot LGBTQIΑ+ organisation. The discussion will cover education issues on LGBTQIA+ rights, inclusive sex education, civil marriage and parental recognition as well as the draft legal gender recognition law.

Follow @helenadalli on Twitter

#LGBTIQ #UnionOfEquality

Details

Publication date
12 May 2022
Author
Representation in Cyprus