Quote of the week
It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.
The journey is part of the experience — an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.
Press conference to announce unprecedented global UN public education campaign on gay and lesbian equality
Press conference to announce unprecedented global United Nations public education campaign for LGBT equality with
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Justice Edwin Cameron
WHEN: Friday, 26 July 2013, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHO: Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Justice Edwin Cameron, South African Constitutional Court
WHAT: Press conference announcing the launch of Free & Equal, an unprecedented United Nations global public education campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. A project of the United Nations Human Rights Office being implemented in partnership with the Purpose Foundation, Free & Equal will raise awareness of homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, and encourage greater respect for the rights of LGBT people. This timely and significant campaign will engage millions people around the world in conversations that will help promote the fair treatment of LGBT people everywhere.
WHERE: The Pavilion Conference Centre, Clock Tower Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
WHY: In December 2011, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published the first official UN report on violence and discrimination against LGBT persons. The report documented widespread human rights abuses. More than 76 countries still criminalize consensual, same-sex relationships, while in many more, discrimination against LGBT people is widespread – including in the workplace and in the education and health sectors. Hate-motivated violence against LGBT people, including physical assault, sexual violence, and targeted killings, has been recorded in all regions. This special event will focus on the need for both legal reforms and public education to counter homophobia and transphobia.
Note to broadcasters: The event will be recorded and footage made available through UNifeed.
Please confirm attendance with Sudeshan Reddy at sudeshan.reddy@unic.org
Media contacts:
Jackie Yodashkin, Free & Equal, 917-620-4502, info@unfe.org
Sudeshan Reddy, sudeshan.reddy@unic.org , +27 (0)82 563 5286
