Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights. On the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), the Delegation of the European Union to China recalls that all human beings, regardless of who they are, whom they love and how they see and define themselves are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

 The European Union is guided by the principle of the universality of human rights, which are inherent to all human beings, to all cultures, at all times and everywhere. As enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to freedom of thought, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association are inalienable and universal rights. They are not subject to geographical or cultural adaptations.

LGBTI persons in China should be allowed these freedoms in equal terms with the rest of the citizens, freely and independently participating in the civil society and creating associations and organisations in order to advocate for their own rights. LGBTI organisations should be permitted to keep working for the community and the shared well-being on Chinese society.

Although progress has been made in China towards a greater respect of the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons, individuals continue to face violence, exclusion and discrimination  because of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity or sex characteristics. Violence based on gender, gender orientation and sexual identity remains widespread, the #MeToo movement has been censored and supressed and female and LGBTI activists have been victims of human rights violations and abuses. The EU continues to call upon China to uphold its pledge to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence.