9th December 2009

Over the next three days 60 young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people from more than 40 countries in Europe and beyond are in Edinburgh for the General Assembly of IGLYO, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation. After the official opening, the participants will together mark International Human Rights Day 2009 with an action focused on the ‘Right to Expression’ which is sadly under threat in many countries.

The event begins tomorrow, Thursday the 10th at 2 pm, with an opening at the Scottish Government where the department of the Minister for Housing and Communities and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission will welcome the participants.

Later that afternoon, the international activists will mark International Human Rights Day 2009 with a peaceful demonstration in Hunter’s Square in central Edinburgh.  The focus of the action will be the violation against the right to expression.

Simon Maljevac, Chair of IGLYO says: “IGLYO is very worried about the latest developments with violations of basic fundamental rights such as Freedom of Expression in countries such as Lithuania and in Uganda. We hope that this action where young LGBTQ people get together from all over Europe and beyond can highlight this, and we are happy that IGLYO can mark Human Rights Day in Edinburgh this year.“

Fergus McMillan, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland says: “LGBT Youth Scotland is pleased to welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people from all over the world on Human Rights Day for the Opening of the General Assembly of IGLYO in Edinburgh.  LGBT Youth Scotland joins IGLYO in drawing attention to the latest assault on the human rights of LGBTQ people in Lithuania and Uganda where the right to freedom of expression and the right to live free from discrimination are under threat.”

The demonstration in connection Human Rights Day will take place in Hunter’s Square, between 17.00-18.00.

END