European Parliament adopts financial package to promote human rights in the world in 2014-2020

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

The European Parliament has just adopted its seven-year financial programme to support democracy and human rights in the world. In the period 2014-2020, the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights will specifically seek to fund projects and organisations working for the human rights of LGBTI persons.

EIDHR cartoonThe European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) exists since 2006, and funds civil society organisations that seek to promote and protect human rights worldwide. Today, the European Parliament voted on the specific objectives and budget of the EIDHR for the period 2014-2020.

Thanks to efforts by the Parliament, today’s binding resolution specifies that the fund will help NGOs working on:

  • the fight against racism and xenophobia and discrimination based on any ground, including sex, race, colour, caste, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity
  • the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) persons, including measures to decriminalise homosexuality, combat homophobic and transphobic violence and persecution, and promote freedom of assembly, association and expression for LGBTI persons

Ana Gomes MEP, spokeswoman for the Socialists & Democrats on this report and Member of the LGBT Intergroup, reacted: “This resolution makes clear that the fight against homophobia and transphobia is an inherent part of working towards the full respect of human rights everywhere in the world.”

“I am glad that the EU recognises this, and will be able to help those promoting the rights of LGBTI people worldwide.”

Dennis de Jong MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup, added: “The EU has a key role to play in the world when it comes to protecting human rights defenders. This text establishes a strong instrument, and I’m confident the European Commission will use it effectively.”

Read more:

  • Website of the EIDHR

Illustration: © European Union

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