Ministers and Government network for cooperation on LGBTI issues highlight the importance of equality and non-discrimination on IDAHOT Day

Finnish Ministers and the Government network for cooperation on LGBTI issues will celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia IDAHOT with a campaign consisting of ministers' video greetings. The international theme for this year’s IDAHOT is ‘Breaking the Silence’.

The communications campaign will be carried out on 14 –15 May, highlighting the work being done in the different administrative branches to promote the equality and non-discrimination of the LGBTI community and the Government’s commitment to the same. Ministries will share videos and banners with quotes on their social media channels on 14 and 15 May using the hashtags #idahot2020, #yhdenvertaisuus and #tasaarvo.

The Government has an informal network for cooperation on LGBTI issues consisting of representatives from different ministries, the Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, the Office of the Ombudsman for Equality, and civil society organisations. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health coordinate the activities of the network.

The purpose of the network is to improve the internal cooperation and coordination of work related to fundamental and human rights of sexual and gender minorities within the Government and to strengthen the cooperation on these matters between the Government and the civil society.

IDAHOT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, is celebrated annually on 17 May. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of discrimination experienced by sexual and gender minorities and to encourage action to rectify the shortcomings.

Inquiries:

Chairs of the Government network for cooperation on LGBTI issues
Katriina Nousiainen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 2951 50275, [email protected]
Hanna Onwen-Huma, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 2951 163233, [email protected]