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17.05.2014
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ESU sends a call to governments on IDAHOT

BRUSSELS – The European Students’ Union (ESU) continues to fight for the rights of Lesbian-, Gay-, Bisexual-, Transgender- and Queer people and urges all governments across Europe to ensure that everyone enjoys the same human rights and can be part of the European society without facing violence, threat or harassment of any kind.

ESU takes part in celebrating 17 May today that is recognised as the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). On this day we are reminded that  the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses only 24 years ago. Now the date is used to raise once more the awareness of the fact that same sex relationships are still criminalized in more than eighty countries. And even where there are no legal consequences, LGBTQ people still face threats and everyday harassment.

Furthermore, ESU calls upon higher education institutions to step up efforts to become safe spaces where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity can develop their future.

There have been some positive developments lately and one can observe a changing attitude, especially within in the society. But these are little steps and we still have a long way to go, to achieve that all citizens can choose freely how they want to live their lives, without the fear of prejudice, oppression or physical or mental violence. We need to make sure that the concerns are heard by the authorities and legal frameworks changed to support that aim,” says Melanie Fröhlich, equality coordinator of ESU.

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For more information, please contact:

Rok Primozic, ESU’s Chairperson: +32/479.126.390 // rok@esu-online.org or Robert Hlynur Baldursson, ESU Communications Manager: +32/473.669.894 // robert@esu-online.org

The European Students’ Union, headquartered in Brussels, is the umbrella organisation of 47 national unions of students from 39 European countries. ESU represents and promotes the educational, social, economical and cultural interests of students at the European level. Through its member unions, ESU represents over 11 million students in Europe. To find out more about ESU, follow us on Twitter @ESUtwt, check out or Facebook page or visit www.esu-online.org. ESU celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2012.

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