Embassies express support for Budapest Parade

The embassies in Budapest of 25 countries have issued a joint satatement expressing support for the 2015 Budapest Pride Festival. The document says human rights shall apply equally to every human being, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The joint press release has been issued by the Embassies of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, New Zealand, The United Kingdom and The United States.

They say that on the occasion of the 20th Budapest Pride Festival, we convey our support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in Hungary and their right to express themselves peacefully and lawfully.

According to the statement, respect for human rights — including justice, equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression as well as the non-interference in the practice of these rights — and the rule of law are the foundations upon which democratic states are built. Indeed, international human rights law is grounded on the premise that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Human rights shall apply equally to every human being, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It is the essence of our democratic values. Celebrating diversity is a sure way to promote respect for human rights, the document states.