The UN’s human rights office has released a video of High Commissioner Navi Pillay speaking on the human rights of LGBT people around the world ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on Thursday 17 May.

The two-minute video features Ms Pillay talking about the human cost of homophobia and mixes footage of her in studio with images and music to drive home the message that everyone is entitled to the same rights, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ms Pillay says: “We cannot let these abuses stand. Punish violence and hatred, not love.”

The video follows the first UN resolution on the rights of LGBT people in June 2011, the release of first official UN report in December 2011 and the organization of the United Nations’ first formal debate on the issue at the Human Rights Council in March 2012.

“This is an historic moment,” Ms. Pillay says, “more and more States recognize the need for action and are speaking up – including here at the United Nations.”