The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) has issued a urgent plea for action in conjunction with World Human Rights Day, emphasizing the universality of human rights, including those of LGBTQI+ individuals. Interim CEO Loata Tucika highlighted the pressing need to protect these rights for a more secure and inclusive Pacific region.
Tucika asserted that it is crucial for governments and communities to uphold the dignity and safety of all individuals, particularly those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. She pointed out that LGBTQI+ individuals in the Pacific continue to face significant human rights challenges such as violence, harassment, and discrimination.
It is essential, she argued, for both state authorities and communities to collaborate in creating safe and inclusive environments for everyone. Tucika also underscored the ongoing efforts of PSGDN in partnership with regional organizations, including ILGA Oceania and DIVA for Equality, through the DFAT-funded Equality Collaboration, which is dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTQI+ people across the Pacific.
While recognizing the importance of cultural and religious contexts, Tucika stressed that LGBTQI+ individuals must be able to live free from violence, hate, and discrimination. She asserted that states bear the responsibility to protect all citizens from harm, which includes violence, ill-treatment, and harassment, and to ensure accountability when abuses occur.
Furthermore, Tucika advocated for stronger protective measures against discrimination and emphasized the need to address hate-motivated violence. She called for a thorough review of legislation and policies to ensure they do not unjustly criminalize individuals based on their identity or gender expression. States, she concluded, should uphold international human rights standards while also finding culturally sensitive ways to promote protection and inclusion for all.
This call to action resonates not only within the context of the Pacific but reflects a broader commitment to human rights worldwide, inspiring hope for a future characterized by acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their identity.
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