In Observance of Pride Month
As delivered by Daniel Wartko, Arms Control Counselor
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
June 22, 2023
This month we celebrate generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons who bravely have sought to live their lives openly and authentically. Pride reminds us of the principle that all persons are created equal in dignity and rights, and that every individual’s full humanity should be equally respected. We also recognize the impact this community has had in defending key OSCE values, including respect for the rights to exercise freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
The Helsinki Final Act recognizes that respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all is inextricably linked to the security of the OSCE region. When the members of one group’s dignity and rights are threatened, the wellbeing of our communities, our countries, and our region suffers and is put at risk. Indeed, our countries and our region are stronger when we celebrate the equal rights and values and contributions of all persons, without discrimination. This month and every month, let us work towards ensuring that the human rights of every single one of us is respected.
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