#EyesonChechnya

Selisse Berry, CEO & Founder of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates issued the following statement:

“In the wake of shocking reports about human rights abuses against gay men in the Chechen Republic, business leaders of multinational corporations have a unique perspective and a particularly important role to play to shift culture and advance global LGBT equality. For 20 years, we’ve worked with business to create a world free from hate and discrimination against LGBT people. Here are a few ways companies can engage:

  1. Issue public statements condemning the human rights abuses against gay men in Chechnya;

  2. Exempt LGBT employees from travel or assignments in any country where their freedom and safety are under threat; and

  3. Provide robust diversity and inclusion training to employees that includes discussion of human and civil rights for LGBT people around the world.

We must lead with our values and stand by our communities: No one should fear losing their freedom or their life because of who they are or who they love.”