Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
45. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current status of Actions 25.1-25.4 and 26.4 of the National LGBTI Inclusion Strategy (for which his Department is responsible), regarding the promotion of LGBTI rights internationally and providing information to Irish LGBI travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34702/23]
View answerThe promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland.
Ireland supports efforts at international human rights fora to highlight and advance LGBTI+ rights, including through the European Union, the UN Human Rights Council, the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Ireland strongly supports the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and participates in Interactive Dialogues with the Independent Expert at the UN in Geneva and New York, most recently at the June 2023 session of the Human Rights Council.
Ireland is a member of the UN LGBTI Core Group at the UN in New York and is an active contributor to the shaping of Core Group statements and events at the UN. Ireland is also a member of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), an intergovernmental body providing a forum for States to work together with civil society, cooperation agencies, and international organisations, among others to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices to create policies and actions that promote and protect the human rights and lives of LGBTI+ persons globally.
The Government is in regular dialogue with civil society groups and takes account of their views when providing inputs and recommendations on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Sexual orientation and gender identity is one of the issues Ireland raises most frequently at the UPR – Ireland routinely makes recommendations concerning the repeal of discriminatory legal provisions; the implementation of comprehensive anti-discrimination policies; and ensuring equal rights for the families of same-sex couples.
Globally, working with like-minded partners, Ireland’s mission network plays an active role in advocating for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including promoting human rights and equality, highlighting discrimination and human rights violations, as well as advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.
Our diplomats also actively support LGBTI+ rights by participating in Pride parades and similar events across the world and offering support to LGBTI+ civil society organisations.
The Government’s Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 undertakes to celebrate the diversity of our diaspora and in particular to support our LGBTQI diaspora. With that in mind, the Government has, through its Emigrant Support Programme, provided financial support to a number of projects organised by LGBTQI diaspora groups and looks forward to doing so again in the future.
The Department of Foreign Affairs website includes a dedicated page for LGBTI+ travellers (dfa.ie/travel/know-before-you-go/lgbt/). LGBTI+ travellers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the country specific travel advice before travelling.
