The European Parliament voted its annual report on human rights in the world. The report takes account of the situation of human rights, including of LGBTI people, and makes recommendations accordingly. The report starts off by stating that “in order to maintain credibility and consistency in its external human rights policy”, the EU and its

European Commission publishes List of Actions to advance LGBTI Equality

On Monday, Commissioner for Justice and Gender Equality Věra Jourová presented a List of actions by the Commission to advance LGBTI Equality in the EPSCO Council, where the EU Ministers responsible for employment and social policy meet. The list is to be seen as a follow-up to the Parliament’s demand for an EU Roadmap against

New EU rules for better protection for victims of crime in the EU

New EU rules on victims’ rights that apply as of today (16 November) will bring major changes in the way victims of crime are treated in Europe. The Victims’ Rights Directive lays down a set of binding rights for victims of crime, and clear obligations for EU Member States to ensure these rights in practice

EU Parliament calls for action to better trans people’s job situation

LGL welcomes the European Parliament’s adoption of the Zaborska Report [1] on equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation. Amongst other things the report also calls for trans people’s improved access to justice, proactive measures, non-discrimination laws, and trans-friendly workplaces. It is to highlight in particular that

European LGBT advocates offer assistance to refugees

Jure Poglajen, a Slovenian dentist, and his partner of more than four years last month spent two weeks on the Greek island of Lesbos.   The couple had gone to the town of Molyvos, which is on the island’s northern coast, for what Poglajen described as a “normal vacation.” The two men soon found themselves

Parliament demands EU action on LGBTI rights

On 8th September the European Parliament adopted a new comprehensive report on fundamental rights in the EU. Defying an attempt by the EPP group to adopt an alternative report which would have deleted nearly all content on LGBTI rights and other relevant human rights issues, the final report includes an extensive section of the situation for

The adoption of the European Union’s Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2013, by the European Parliament on March 12th 2015, acts as a significant moment for human rights internationally.  The report candidly calls for Lithuanian legislators to follow Moldova’s footsteps in annulling any and all laws prohibiting the propagation of

The EU needs a more targeted support services for victims

Well-resourced, well-aimed victim support is vital in ensuring victims of crime have real access to justice for their plight and that their rights are respected. In the first comprehensive assessment of victim support services in the European Union, the EU Agency for Fundamental rights (FRA) noted that, despite positive developments, many Member States face considerable