STATEMENT OF THE UN LGBT CORE GROUP1 ON THE ATTACK IN ORLANDO

(New York, 13 June 2016)

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.

The groups 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).