Our presence in Tartu 2024 Pride takes place in a time of increased cultural cooperation between our two countries, as the Norwegian town of Bodø is one of the other two cities that enjoy the status of European Capital of Culture this year. The cities of Tartu and Bodø have a close cooperation about their year as Cultural Capitals, which we help fund through the EEA and Norway Grants. The cooperation contributes significantly to bilateral contacts between Norway and Estonia this year, with multiple Norwegian - Estonian events taking place within the framework of the Tartu 2024 Cultural Capital Programme. Tartu 2024 Pride is a cultural event that spans seven days from the 12th of August - 18th of August. It offers a variety of events and activities including music, art, films, workshops and much more.
Norway believes that human rights apply equally to everyone regardless of their sex, social and ethnic background, religion or sexual orientation. Members of the LGBT+ community are subject to the same human rights as everyone else and are to be treated with the same respect and dignity for their rights. Our principal position is that violations of human rights can never be justified. Norway strives towards a society where everyone can feel safe and realize their full potential.
HM King Harald V of Norway said the following about Norwegian society in his speech in 2016: “Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other…”. With this speech, the King emphasized the fact that Norway is made up of people of many different backgrounds and identities. No one should be barred from loving each other or expressing who they truly are.
Watch the full speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvB0jZKRKrk
Unfortunately, sexual minorities are still subject to criminalization, harassment, violence and other forms of discrimination. Members of the LGBT+ community are much more likely to experience discrimination than other groups in society. Many experience both direct and indirect forms of discrimination, including in the labour and housing markets. Norway vows to combat discrimination in all forms, including discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Norway plays an active role as an advocate for the human rights of LGBT+ people on the international stage, both in the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly and bilaterally.
Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Norway has supported human rights and equal treatment in Estonia and 14 other EU member states since 2004. A multitude of projects have been financed that contribute to increasing social justice and inclusion of vulnerable groups by combating discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are proud to support so many brave LGBT+ people all over the world in their fight for dignity and human rights.
We hope to see you in Tartu on the 17th of August.
Happy Pride!