UpRights is pleased to welcome the publication of ILGA-Europe’s Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia. This vital document, for which UpRights provided drafting support, offers a comprehensive overview of the human rights landscape for LGBTI communities across the region. More than a mere compilation of events, the Review serves as a barometer for the broader state of human rights and democratic principles in Europe and Central Asia. 

As the 2024 Annual Review reveals, the erosion of LGBTI rights is often an early warning sign of wider democratic backsliding. Restrictive policies targeting LGBTI communities do not exist in a vacuum. They are frequently accompanied by broader attacks on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and judicial independence. The patterns observed across different countries demonstrate that when fundamental rights are undermined in one sphere, it creates ripple effects that threaten the rights and freedoms of all individuals. 

Nonetheless, ILGA-Europe’s report seeks to serve as a strategic resource for governments, activists, and policymakers seeking to reverse these troubling trends. By documenting progress, identifying risks, and sharing effective strategies, it offers a roadmap for reinforcing protections for LGBTI people across diverse legal and political landscapes. This collaborative approach underscores the necessity of engagement, showing that change is possible when civil society and institutions work together. 

UpRights remains steadfast in its commitment to amplifying LGBTI voices and reinforcing human rights protections at every level. As highlighted in the Annual Review, meaningful progress depends on strong alliances between civil society, international institutions, and national governments.  

Ensuring that LGBTI rights are respected is not merely a matter of policy but a reflection of a society’s dedication to justice and equality. The events of 2024 remind us that while significant progress has been made, there is no room for complacency. UpRights’ work therefore supports ILGA’s conclusion that fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and holding institutions accountable remain essential to resisting regression and working toward a future where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, enjoy full and equal rights. 

Read the full report here: https://www.ilga-europe.org/report/annual-review-2025/