Shocked and saddened by horrific attack in Orlando

Statement of the UN LGBT Core Group on the attack in Orlando.

17. Feb 2017

The UN LGBT Core Group consists of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, El Salvador, France, Israel, Japan, Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Uruguay, and the European Union, as well as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch and Outright Action International (formerly known as IGLHRC).

We are shocked and saddened by the horrific attack which took place at a night club in Orlando (Florida) on Sunday. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones, the American people and the global LGBTI community.

The UN LGBT core group resolutely stands by the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".

We will continue our work at the United Nations to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated equally. Discrimination or violence on these grounds is simply not acceptable. As UN LGBT core group members we will continue to promote and protect the equal rights of LGBTI people wherever they live and whomever they love.