Noticias

The 44th. General Assembly of the Organization of American States will be developed in Paraguay from 3 to 5 of June, the main theme being "Development with Social Inclusion". The OAS promotes several documents aimed at protecting people from all forms of discrimination, for several reasons. In Paraguay, the Constitution reflects the same intention in Article 46 to prohibit any form of discrimination and force the state to remove any reason that generates it.

The radical stance of the current government, reflected in the statements of Chancellor Federico Gonzalez, declaring that "This resolution talks about discrimination issues in general, and our country has taken a decision, the Paraguay has not signed the American Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination" to the ABC Color newspaper, and "Paraguay will not accompany the draft resolution proposed by Brazil to be approved by the 44th General Assembly of the OAS," to the Ultima Hora newspaper, is a affront to the Constitution, international treaties and demonstrates no intention of the current government to improve the lives of Paraguayans.

The resolution condemns the acts of violence and human rights violations committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, and calls upon States to ensure adequate protection of human rights of the defenders working on issues related to acts of violence and violations of human rights perpetrated against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.*

"The 44th. Assembly seeks that the members of the OAS compromise to protect the citizens of Latin America from violence and discrimination on any grounds: race, economic status, political belief, religion to name a few. The fact that gender identity and sexual orientation appear on this list is key to recognize that these are reasons why even face daily violence at all levels, "says Simon Cazal, director of SOMOSGAY.

"The Government of Paraguay, by standing against this instrument not only promotes intolerance and discrimination, but also undermines the dignity and respect for the human condition of all people in the country, not only of those discriminated against be gay, lesbian or trans "he added.

SOMOSGAY calls to authorities, the Chancellor and the President to honor their commitment to all Paraguayan citizenship and the Constitution, to reconsider this discriminatory stance against freedom, equality and especially the dignity of people they represent.

** Draft resolution of Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Presented by the delegation of Brazil).