International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (May 17, 2023)

On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, France reiterates its commitment to the universal decriminalization of homosexuality and the defense of LGBT+ rights. We salute the measures that several countries from every continent have taken to protect LGBT+ people and combat the violence and discrimination that they face.

France calls on the countries whose criminal justice system still views homosexual relations as crimes to decriminalize them and reiterates its concerns regarding restrictions to the rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBT+ people, including access to sexual and reproductive rights and health care. We condemn the acts of violence and hate speech that are directed toward them.

France reaffirms its support for the men and women who courageously work to protect these rights on a daily basis under difficult conditions. In 2022, at the suggestion of Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France appointed an LGBT+ Rights Ambassador, Jean-Marc Berthon, who is tasked with representing France in this field, in both speech and action, with the support of the entire French diplomatic network. In 2023, France, working together with the UN and the UNFPA in particular, will invest additional resources in field projects to help LGBT+ people.

As we prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Paris signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, France, alongside its partners from across the globe, will continue to defend the universality of human rights and respect for human dignity in both multilateral fora and our bilateral relations. We will issue a call for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality and create a support fund for foreign civil society organizations that fight to protect the rights of LGBT+ people.

International Organization for Migration – Election of the new Director General, Amy Pope (May 17, 2023)

France congratulates Amy Pope on her May 15th election as Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

France will continue to fully support the IOM, a key player in migration management, with due respect for human rights and in service of international solidarity.

France stands with the Director General to continue to reform the IOM, help to implement global governance of migration and continue to respond to humanitarian needs against the backdrop of a growing number of crises.

Q&A

What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ reaction to the investigation into the Olivier Dubois case conducted by several French media organizations? That investigation showed that Operation Barkhane allegedly tried to use the journalist without his knowledge to locate a jihadist leader and did nothing to prevent his kidnapping.

What role did the French Embassy in Mali play in this case? What were its connections with Operation Barkhane with regard to Olivier Dubois’s planned interview of a jihadist leader in an area that was considered to be dangerous?

A judicial investigation has been opened, headed by two investigating judges from the counterterrorism unit. We suggest you consult the Ministry of Justice for further information.