LGBT Rights Are Human Rights

A coalition of homophobic countries failed to repeal a decision by the United Nation’s Human Rights Council to appoint an independent expert on sexual orientation & gender identity (SOGI) issues by a vote of 84 to 77. The success of this vote was the result of LGBTQ activists & organizations around the world quickly mobilized to voice their concerns on the implications of the hostile resolution to national governments as well as at the United Nations headquarters in New York. A joint statement endorsed by 850 organizations from 157 countries around the world, highlighted the need for states to respect the authority of the Human Rights Council & to vote in favor of upholding the SOGI Independent Expert mandate. Jessica Stern, Executive Director, OutRight Action International stated, “A lot can be accomplished when forces join hands. We are encouraged by this voting result & in the confirmation that States believe in the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. It is vital that the integrity of the Human Rights Council remains intact & is not further undermined in the Third Committee.” Micah Grzywnowicz, trans activist & international advocacy advisor at RFSL, the Swedish Federation for LGBTIQ Rights added, “The SOGI Independent Expert position is vital in bringing to light the horrific acts of violence & discrimination many people face because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These abuses happen everywhere; no region or country is immune to them. Having concrete documentation showing the consequences of homophobia & transphobia on the lives of people & recommendations on how to address these challenges from an HRC Special Procedure mandate holder will help states take responsibility to protect LGBTIQ persons. It will be much harder to ignore the facts.”
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