Joint Statement on the new Commissioner in charge of Equality
Eurochild joins the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTIQ+ rights, the European Parliament’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup, and other civil society organisations and networks in welcoming the EU’s renewed commitment to the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy post-2025, the new Gender Equality Strategy, and the new Anti-Racism Strategy.
We are pleased that the EU will continue to work on the implementation of the EU Strategic Framework for Roma equality, inclusion, and participation, as well as the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These strategies are crucial for protecting the most vulnerable children. We emphasise that, in order to safeguard the fundamental rights of all children - including LGBTIQ+ children and families, as well as children affected by racism and discrimination based on religion or belief - we need a Commissioner’s portfolio with a strong dedication to equality and justice. We regret that, at a time when the far-right is on the rise and minority rights are constantly in danger, the new Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib’s portfolio is not related to justice and the rule of law.