May be one day we will see the Rainbow Flag flying over the British Embassy in Armenia? Never say never, remember my words...
RIGA, June 2, 2008
UKGayNews — A little piece of UK gay history was made when the British Ambassador to Latvia, Richard Moon ordered the Rainbow Flag to be flown at the Embassy to mark Riga Pride and Friendship Days.
It is thought that this might be the first occasion that a Rainbow Flag has been flown from a British embassy anywhere in the world.
“The British Government totally supports LGBT rights in Europe and throughout the world,” Mr. Moon said as he raised the flag.
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Pinknews - Last month the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed its commitment to engage with foreign governments about the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people.
It issued an 'LGBT Toolkit' to its 261 embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts.
The kit contains information on the official British policy on gay rights and instructions in how to "provide added value to equality and non-discrimination work."
It covers a wide range of issues, from decriminalisation, sexual health, reproductive rights and health education to bilateral work with other countries.
The document states that LGBT activists are often targets for persecution and that the FCO should ensure these people are "included among human rights defenders concerning whom the UK will lobby and will engage the support of other governments, especially EU members."
A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office told PinkNews.co.uk:
"The UK remains committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people overseas.
"Last December the FCO adopted a programme of action for promoting the human rights of LGBT people abroad.
"This made clear that sexual orientation cannot be a qualifying factor in the application of human rights.
"We have now worked with partners to develop a programme to guide our embassies overseas.
"This programme has now been sent to all our diplomatic posts worldwide.
"We will continue to engage with our posts to promote the rights LGBT people across the world."
*photo - via UKGayNews
Warsaw holds its Pride parade tomorrow, and in a mark of solidarity the Rainbow flag will fly next to the Union flag over the British embassy in the city. [...]
ReplyDelete"The UK remains committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people overseas," says Ric Todd, British Ambassador to Poland.
"This small gesture is a symbol of the British embassy's commitment to equality and acceptance for all."
Rainbow flag to fly over second British embassy (PinkNews)