IDAHOBIT & PRIDE 2025:
Diplomatic Missions united in solidarity for LGBTQI+ Equality and Human Rights
Nicosia, 17 May 2025
The Cyprus Chapter of Diplomats for Equality (D4E) marks the 2025 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) at a critical juncture. Today, we reaffirm our unwavering support for LGBTQI+ individuals in Cyprus and globally, recognising the increasingly challenging environment currently faced by marginalised communities.
Globally, we are witnessing concerning developments, including hostile public rhetoric and legislative amendments in several countries aimed at limiting discourse on LGBTQI+ issues in educational settings, governments, businesses, and the public sphere. We are deeply concerned by these regressive steps, which threaten the visibility, human rights, and safety of LGBTQI+ communities, including by the ban of Pride marches. Pride marches serve a vital platform for societal dialogue, celebrating diversity, and reinforcing the universal values of equality and human dignity for all individuals.
Diplomats for Equality network, once more, congratulates the Republic of Cyprus on its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027. This achievement reflects Cyprus’s strong commitment to human rights both domestically and internationally. We anticipate that this membership will result in meaningful advancements for the LGBTQI+ community, locally and globally, and we look forward to the effective implementation of the government's relevant initiatives. Furthermore, we look into Cyprus's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU to strongly encourage EU governments to prioritise human rights, including the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
We commend the unwavering advocacy and substantial contributions of local LGBTQI+ civil society organisations across all Cyprus, including Accept – LGBTI Cyprus, Queer Cyprus Association, Rainbow Families Cyprus, Queer Wave, LGBT Africa, LGBT Pilipinas, Queer Collective, University of Nicosia LGBTQIA+ & Allies Club, LGBTQ+ Cypriot Diaspora, and others. Their ongoing efforts are fundamental in promoting education, enhancing visibility, and fostering critical public discourse on equality and human rights.
We also acknowledge the pivotal role Cypriot businesses play in creating inclusive workplaces, especially in the face of conflicting societal narratives. We encourage businesses to demonstrate solidarity by implementing inclusive human resources policies, providing diversity training, and fostering supportive environments for LGBTQI+ employees. Foreign missions in Cyprus who are members of the Diplomats for Equality network remain committed to assisting businesses in promoting these inclusive practices.
On this IDAHOBIT 2025, Diplomats for Equality Cyprus stands united and resolute. We look forward to joining local communities in the upcoming Pride Marches in Nicosia on 17 May and 31 May and we pledge continued support and solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community in advocating for a future where every individual can live openly, safely, and equally.
Signed by the following 18 missions accredited to Cyprus (final number tbc):
Australian High Commission
Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium
British High Commission
High Commission of Canada
Embassy of Finland
Embassy of the Hellenic Republic
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Embassy of Ireland
Embassy of Japan
Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
High Commission of the Republic of Malta
Embassy of Mexico
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
High Commission of New Zealand
Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden
Embassy of Switzerland
Representation of the European Commission
Office of the European Parliament in Cyprus
For more information please contact:
Costa Gavrielides
Policy & Public Diplomacy Manager
Australian High Commission
costa [dot] gavrielides
dfat [dot] gov [dot] au (costa[dot]gavrielides[at]dfat[dot]gov[dot]au)
+357 22697566
- Publication date
- 17 May 2025
- Author
- Representation in Cyprus