Malta & the Republic of North Macedonia have joined the UN LGBTI Core Group bringing the number of members of the group to a total of 33 states & the delegation of the European Union. Jessica Stern Executive Director of OutRight Action International stated, “The UN LGBTI Core Group is a key force dedicated to a vision in which LGBTIQ people live free from discrimination & violence & fighting for recognition of our rights at an international level. Malta & North Macedonia join at a trying time. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on LGBTIQ people. Conservative governments continue to attack gender and LGBTIQ equality. A ban on legal gender recognition in Hungary, constitutional changes banning marriage equality in Russia, threats of mandatory sexual orientation & gender identity change efforts in Indonesia, are just a few of the regressive events from the past year. By joining the group in the face of strong opposition, at a time when we can only meet virtually, Malta & North Macedonia send a strong message - that LGBTIQ equality is not subject to convenience. As the secretariat of the group, OutRight is thrilled to welcome them to the Core Group!” The
UN LGBTI Core Group is an informal cross-regional group working together to mainstream LGBTIQ inclusion throughout UN mechanisms & processes at the UN headquarters in New York. It was established in 2008 & is currently co-chaired by Argentina & The Netherlands. Prior to Malta & North Macedonia joining, Nepal & Iceland were the last to join the group in May 2020. OutRight Action International works at a global, regional & national level to eradicate the persecution, inequality & violence LGBTIQ people face around the world.
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