Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, without distinction of any kind. Yet across the globe, people continue to face acts of violence and discrimination simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This situation starts in schools. According to the 2021 UNESCO report “Don’t look away”, 42% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans youth have experienced harassment, ridicule, insults or threats at school because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, primarily at the hands of their peers.

Feeling excluded, invisible, anxious or unwanted not only affects learning outcomes, leading to more absences, lower academic achievement and fewer prospects for the future. It also affects health and well-being – in the worst cases, causing students to contemplate suicide. And these tensions are heightened in a world where discrimination and hate speech have found new echo chambers, including online.

We therefore reaffirm, on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, our support for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons.

Winning the fight against prejudice and discrimination is a question of changing mindsets. We need educational environments where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, feel safe, are seen and respected throughout their educational journey – but also where learners learn respect for others. We need a media that combats gender stereotypes, hate speech and disinformation.

This International Day is a reminder of our shared commitment to upholding human rights. Together, let’s put an end to all forms of homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination.