UN’S GUTERRES WARNS OF VULNERABILITY OF LGBTI

United Nations Secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned of the increasing vulnerability of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people during the Covid-19 pandemic on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

The UN chief said in a message marking Sunday’s commemoration that the day comes at a time of great challenge when the world needs to protect the LGBTI community.

Guterres said many LGBTI people who already face bias, attacks and murder “simply for who they are or whom they love...are experiencing heightened stigma as a result of the virus, as well as new obstacles when seeking health care.” He said: “There are also reports of Covid-19 directives being misused by police to target LGBTI individuals and organisations.”

“As the pandemic unfolds, the United Nations will continue to highlight these and other injustices,” he said.

“Together, let us stand united against discrimination and for the right of all to live free and equal in dignity and rights.”

The International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is observed on May 17 to commemorate the UN World Health Organization’s decision to remove homosexuality from the international list of diseases on that date in 1990. The founders urge countries around to world to take actions to raise awareness of LGBT rights and violations.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS CAN PLAY PIVOTAL ROLE TO COMBAT COVID-19 PANDEMIC: UN CHIEF Guterres on Saturday said the religious leaders around the world can play an important role to deliver solutions in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic and help people recover from effects of the illness. “To defeat Covid-19 and build a more sustainable and equitable world, we need communities to come together. Religious leaders can play a pivotal role to deliver solutions to not only address the pandemic but to recover better,” Guterres posted on his Twitter.