On the occasion of the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia (IDAHOT), Mogherini said that remarkable progress had been made around the world to advance the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (LGBTI) in recent years.

Following the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, the IDAHOT Forum will be held in Brussels on May 18 and 19, 2017 for the very first time. This year's main focus will be families. On May 20, there will be a Belgian Pride parade marching through the city.

"Engaging in same-sex relations is considered a crime in more than 70 countries and could even lead to the death penalty in some. The EU condemns discrimination and violence against LGBTI individuals in the strongest possible terms," she said.

She also said that the EU would continue to work with all partners to advance the human rights of all people regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

BRUSSELS, May 16 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) foreign policy and security chief Federica Mogherini said Tuesday on behalf of the EU that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, should be able to enjoy their human rights without discrimination.

However, obstacles remain in many places around the globe and discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons is still widespread.