An equal world depends on recognition and respect for diverse identities. Equality and freedom from discrimination and violence are fundamental human rights that belong to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics or HIV status. This reminds us of our obligations to respect the human rights and dignity of every person. We need action around the world to make those rights a reality.

Despite the progress, discrimination and stigma remain for some of the most vulnerable groups, leading to serious health disparities including related to STIs/HIV and other inequities such as leaving them highly vulnerable to rights violations and with limited access to health services. In times of humanitarian emergencies, the inequities deepen. Stigmatization and discrimination put already vulnerable groups, especially refugees and migrants, at higher risk of experiencing inequalities even more, particularly access to basic information and services. The consequences can be life threatening, leading to struggles to obtain shelter and disaster relief due to discrimination and neglect.

Every single person has the right to life, to live free from violence, discrimination and inhumane and degrading treatment, to liberty, privacy and equality, and to access freedom of expression and fair trial. UNFPA stands for the rights and choices of everyone, everywhere to ensure there is no one left behind. Leaving no one behind means prioritizing the rights and inclusion of all people, as the world navigates unprecedented challenges and strives for a peaceful, prosperous future. By protecting, promoting and fulfilling the human rights of all people worldwide, we can secure rights and choices for all.

“Human rights are inherent to all human beings,” UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem has said, “and these rights are guaranteed for every person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”

UNFPA works to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights through various strategies, including awareness-raising, training, life-skills capacity-building projects and working with national human rights institutions to provide necessary services especially on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence. 

UNFPA Türkiye has carried out the Key Refugee Groups Project since 2018 with the financial support from European Union Humanitarian Aid. Through EU funds, protection services such as psychosocial support, legal counseling, and case management are provided for the most vulnerable  groups through 5 service units operated under  the Project. Additionally, since December 2021, sexual and reproductive health counseling and HIV medicine support are provided with the financial support of the US Government’s  Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) as part of the project.

On this and every day, let’s commit to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all around the world.