沈黙を破ろう！

5月17日は、「多様な性にYESの日(国際反ホモフォビア/トランスフォビア/バイフォビア・デー)」です。レズビアン、ゲイ、バイセクシュアル、トランスジェンダー、クィア、インターセックス（LGBTQI） の人々の人権に対する意識を高める日です。1990年の5月17日、世界保健機関（WHO）が同性愛を精神疾患のリストから除いたことをきっかけにこの記念日が制定されました。

LGBTQI の人々は、多くの社会で最も脆弱な人々とされ、生活のあらゆる場面で悪影響を受けるような差別を経験しています。現在、COVID-19のパンデミックにより、LGBTQIの人々はさらなる危険に直面しています。例えば、同性愛が犯罪とされている国やトランスジェンダーの人々が標的にされている国では、LGBTQIの人々は逮捕や暴力を恐れて検査や治療を避けてしまうことが考えられます。また、COVID-19による外出制限により、LGBTQIの人々は、理解を示してくれない家族や同居人からの暴力やその恐怖にさらされる機会が増える可能性があります。

「多様な性にYESの日(国際反ホモフォビア/トランスフォビア/バイフォビア・デー)」の30周年を迎える今年（2020年）のテーマは、「沈黙を破る」です。UNFPAは、沈黙を破ることの重要性を強調し、LGBTQIの人々が、COVID-19危機の最中に医療を求めて差別を受けたり、報復を恐れることのないよう取り組んでいきます。

5月17日、UNFPA事務局長ナタリア・カネムは以下の声明文を発表しました。

Break the silence!

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

17 May 2020

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights speaks to the universality of human rights. Everyone, everywhere, is entitled to them, without distinction or discrimination of any kind.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people are counted among the most vulnerable and marginalized in many societies, experiencing discrimination that negatively impacts all aspects of their lives.  Right now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQI people are among those at heightened risk.

UNFPA is committed to ensuring that LGBTQI people do not face discrimination or fear retribution for seeking health care amid the COVID-19 crisis. 

As health systems and services come under immense pressure around the world, this has an enormous effect on already marginalized and excluded groups. In countries where same-sex relations are criminalized or transgender people targeted, people may avoid testing and treatment for fear of arrest or violence.

Given stay-at-home restrictions in many places, LGBTQI youth and adults may be confined in hostile environments with unsupportive family members or co-habitants, increasing their exposure to violence, anxiety, fear and depression.

On this 30th anniversary of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, UNFPA emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence.

No one should suffer stigma or discrimination at work. Creating a safe workplace where each person feels included and valued can unlock the incredible potential of each one of us. UNFPA will continue to uphold these essential values with our staff, fellow colleagues, implementing partners and the people we serve. Our UNFPA Global Directory, for example, now offers profile options to more accurately and respectfully reflect the gender diversity of our staff, some of whom identify as neither female nor male.

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, is committed to addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics. Together, let us promote a society free from all forms of discrimination and harassment to ensure that everyone, everywhere is able to live and work in safety and dignity. 

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Statement and poster from UN-Globe, which advocates for the equality and non-discrimination of LGBTI staff in the United Nations system and its peacekeeping operations.