Prishtina, 17 May 2021 – In the framework of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the Institution of the Ombudsperson, as an institution with a mandate to protect fundamental human rights and freedoms, highlights the guarantee of the rights of persons of LGBTI communities, who continue to be among the most vulnerable groups in our society.

This community continues to be challenged by harassment, discrimination and violence and as a result remain marginalized and stigmatized in society. The Ombudsperson said that all citizens of this country are equal and the state has a duty to protect their rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo and the Law on Protection from Discrimination.

These constitutional guarantees are fundamental values ​​of a democratic society, which serve to protect human dignity, freedom and equality, and that these values ​​are the basic basis for the functioning of the rule of law. The Law on Protection from Discrimination clearly provides for the prevention and fight against discrimination, including the protection of gender identity and sexual orientation.

The Ombudsperson draws attention to the establishment of the right by the courts regarding the respect of the right of persons to decide on their gender identity. These decisions demonstrate the awareness of the institutions about the rights of these communities and invite all other institutions and society in general to contribute to the observance of local legislation and international human rights standards.

The Ombudsperson continues to be a supporter of civil society organizations that advocate for the rights of LGBTI people, being a permanent partner in the fight against discrimination.