The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has adopted its first Strategy for Equal Rights of LGBTI People, establishing a common framework for implementing existing human-rights commitments between 2027 and 2032. The strategy prioritises recognition of equal rights and dignity, countering disinformation, preventing violence and hatred, and strengthening legal and institutional protections. It also addresses risks arising from digital technologies and artificial intelligence, including bias, intrusive surveillance and the accelerated spread of harmful content. Alongside the strategy, the Council of Europe published a report showing that protection against anti-LGBTI hate speech remains uneven: while 35 member states explicitly cover sexual orientation in relevant criminal provisions, only three cover all grounds related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. The report recommends comprehensive national frameworks, stronger data collection and specialised enforcement structures, as well as sustainable funding for civil society organisations providing monitoring, reporting and victim support. Read more here.
Source: Council of Europe
