The Ukrainian authorities must not only provide adequate security for the LGBTI marchers at this weekend’s Pride event in Kyiv, but also address structural causes of discrimination in the country, including addressing impunity for hate crimes, hate speech and incitement to violence, said Amnesty International.
The Kyiv Pride 2017 on June 18 is expected to be the largest LGBTI rally in Ukraine this year.
"This is a chance for Ukrainian authorities and the public to show their dedication to respect for human dignity, diversity and non-discrimination.”
Oksana Pokalchuk, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine
“After the Eurovision, Kyiv has another moment in the limelight with this weekend’s March of Equality. This is a chance for Ukrainian authorities and the public to show their dedication to respect for human dignity, diversity and non-discrimination,” said Oksana Pokalchuk, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine.
The March of Equality in 2016 was largely peaceful. However, there is no guarantee this year’s will come off peacefully as LGBTI activists are still being threatened and attacked and radical nationalist groups repeatedly disrupt LGBTI events across Ukraine.
Twenty mayors from cities in Germany, Norway, Spain, Poland, USA, France and Sweden have sent letters to the Mayor of Kyiv Vitaliy Klichko, asking him to support the March of Equality 2017 and provide all necessary security measures.
This year, Amnesty International Ukraine has launched a media campaign “Explicit” aimed at changing negative LGBTI stereotypes in Ukrainian media and in society at large.