John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to support LGBTQI+ communities at EU and international level. [60929/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Human rights are universal. Every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic, is entitled to equality, dignity and the full enjoyment of their human rights. The universal nature of human rights cannot be fulfilled without respecting the rights of LGBTQI+ persons. The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland and this is reflected in our Campaign for the Human Rights Council where defending the rights of LGBTQI+ persons is one of our five thematic priorities.

Globally, LGBTQI+ persons continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and systemic discrimination in many countries. It is unacceptable that LGBTQI+ people continue to face discrimination, harassment, violence – including death – for being who they are.

We are deeply concerned the global pushback on LGBTQI+ rights that has evolved in recent years, including in Europe. In this context, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

Ireland, through our mission network and our Development Cooperation programme continues to support civil society and human rights defenders including to support their work on LGBTQI+ rights and support for LGBTQI+ human rights defenders. Our Mission network is fully engaged and in many places, our diplomats march in Pride parades and our Embassies proudly fly rainbow flag.

Ireland regularly intervenes at multilateral forums, including the EU and UN to speak up for the rights of LGBTQI+ people. As recently as November 3rd at the UN General Assembly Third Committee, during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity, Ireland reiterated the importance of the full enjoyment of all people of their human rights, in this case with a particular focus on right to education for LGBTQI+ people.