Developments regarding the status of LGBTI persons worldwide South Africa takes note of the recent developments regarding

the situation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex persons LGBTI! "orld"ide# The South African Government "ill, through existing diplomatic channels, be seeking clarification on these developments from many capitals around the "orld# South Africa vie"s the respect for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms as a critical pillar of our domestic and foreign policies$ hence they are enshrined in our %onstitution# South Africa believes that no persons should be sub&ected to discrimination or violence on any ground, including on the basis of sexual orientation# 'n the domestic front, "e also have challenges of our o"n in this regard# The Government has decided to adopt measures aimed at significantly enhancing our protection mechanisms aimed at curbing violence against the LGBTI community# To this end, our focus "ill also be on ensuring that acts of violence do not go unpunished and that perpetrators are apprehended, prosecuted, convicted and appropriately sentenced# 'ur %onstitution makes it impermissible to discriminate on the ground of sexual orientation, therefore eradicating hate crimes and intolerance in regard to this matter remains a key preoccupation of the Government, "orking collectively and "ith the relevant %ivil Society 'rganisations# ISSUED BY THE DEP !T"E#T $% I#TE!# TI$# L !EL TI$#S #D &$$PE! TI$#