European Parliament finalises seven year fund for LGBT projects and organisations
The European Parliament today renewed a seven year financial programme to fund projects and organisations working for the human rights of LGBT people.
The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) has existed since 2006, and funds civil society organisations seeking to promote and protect human rights worldwide.
The European Parliament voted on specific objectives and a budget for the EIDHR for the period between 2014 and 2020.
The resolution agreed today specifies that the fund will go on to help NGOs working against all kinds of discrimination, and the rights of LGBT people, including tackling homophobic and transphobic violence, and to promote general freedoms of assembly, association and expression.
Ana Gomes MEP, spokeswoman for the Socialists & Democrats on this report and Member of the LGBT Intergroup, said: “This resolution makes clear that the fight against homophobia and transphobia is an inherent part of working towards the full respect of human rights everywhere in the world.
“I am glad that the EU recognises this, and will be able to help those promoting the rights of LGBTI people worldwide.”
Dennis de Jong MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup, added: “The EU has a key role to play in the world when it comes to protecting human rights defenders. This text establishes a strong instrument, and I’m confident the European Commission will use it effectively.”
