International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

IFAD stands in solidarity with and supports the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people everywhere. Discrimination based on sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) has no place in today’s world. We support efforts of LGBTQI people everywhere to resist and heal from hatred, fear and discrimination.

Deeply-embedded homophobic and transphobic attitudes, often combined with a lack of adequate legal protection against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, expose many LGBTQI people across the world to egregious violations of their human rights.

In recent years, many States have made a determined effort to strengthen human rights protection for LGBTQI people. An array of new laws have been adopted – including laws banning discrimination, penalizing homophobic and transphobic hate crimes, granting recognition of same-sex relationships, and making it easier for transgender individuals to obtain official documents that reflect their preferred gender. However, these advances are not universal. And, worryingly, even as these advances have been made, we have witnessed  a rise of anti-LGBTQI.

In recognition of the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion as an integral part of the Fund’s identity and workforce, IFAD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy was approved in 2021. It puts emphasis on the importance of recognising and valuing diversity also in terms of SOGIECS. The Strategy is guiding and supporting our efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at IFAD.

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), and in recognition of its global mandate to “Leave No One Behind”, IFAD affirms its unwavering commitment to work for the protection, rights, and well-being of LGBTQI people – within IFAD and  around the world.