The European Commission, along with international organization Hivos and national NGO Promsex, recognized the Peruvian Women and Vulnerable Populations Ministry's (MIMP) commitment to the defense and promotion of LGBTI persons' human rights.
"This recognition further deepens our commitment; we know we will keep moving in this direction as State policy," MIMP head Ana Maria Romero-Lozada affirmed.
"This would not have been possible a few years ago, but Peru is changing and, while there is still a long way to go, we are more inclusive nowadays," she added.
The Political Constitution of Peru stipulates that all persons are equal before the law, and thus prohibits discrimination based on origin, sex, race, language, religion, opinion, economic condition or any other factor.
Pro-LGBTI measures
MIMP measures in favor of LGBTI persons include Linea 100 helpline for domestic and sexual violence victims, as well as women emergency centers.
The Women and Vulnerable Populations Ministry has also backed legislative initiatives to protect civil rights for LGBTI minorities.
Minister Romero-Lozada also stressed the establishment of MIMP work groups to promote the rights of LGBTI people, work on public policy proposals and foster dialogue with LGBTI-related organizations.
Likewise, Romero-Lozada underlined joint work with the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) to implement a census to tally Peru's LGBTI population.
"Only through articulated efforts between State and society will we be able to eliminate cultural patterns that violate the human rights of Peruvian men and women," she concluded.
(END) NDP/LIT/DHT/MVB