Today is the eighth annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). Activities are being observed around the world.
Ambassador Susan E. Rice, the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, released this video message today. Watch AFTER THE JUMP ...
Ambassador Rice paid particular notice to the plight of LGBT youth:
Today, as we commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, we rededicate ourselves to a basic but essential truth – that human rights are universal and must be protected for all. Homophobia, sadly, is present in every corner of our world. And, it is a problem we continue to face here in the United States.
At the United Nations, the United States is standing up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and fighting to ensure that their voices are heard and protected. The United States was proud to co-sponsor and adopt an historic resolution at the UN Human Rights Council condemning human rights abuses and violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
We will continue to work in every possible arena to protect communities and promote societies in which everyone – especially LGBT youth – can live safely and without fear regardless of who they are or whom they love. We call on all nations and all peoples to join us in ensuring that human rights are universally protected everywhere every day.
The "historic resolution" referenced by the ambassador is the March 2011 United Nations Human Rights Council declaration to urge the international community to combat anti-LGBT discrimination and violence. The declaration adopted by some 85 countries in a Joint Statement entitled "Ending Acts of Violence and Related Human Rights Violations Based On Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity."
In December 2008, the Bush Administration joined perennial human rights abusers such as Russia and China to oppose a similar resolution. President Obama made history in September 2011 when he became the first sitting U.S. President to call for universal LGBT rights at the United Nations General Assembly.
Watch AFTER THE JUMP ...