The UN and sexual orientation and gender identity

The United Nations Speaks Out: Tackling Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHR) has produced a video and pamphlet on tackling violence and discrimination against LGBT people.

In the video, the High Commissioner talks about recent violent attacks against LGBT people, stressing that such incidents are not isolated but part of a global problem. “Ultimately, homophobia and transphobia are no different to sexism, misogyny, racism or xenophobia”, she notes “but whereas these last forms of prejudice are universally condemned by Governments, homophobia and transphobia are too often overlooked.” She calls on States to take steps to ensure equal rights for everyone, “whoever they are, whoever they love”.

The pamphlet presents extracts from strong statements made by the UN Secretary-General, the High Commissioner and other senior UN officials, as well as by the UN treaty bodies, special rapporteurs and other UN agencies.

Joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation & gender identity

The highlight of the Human Rights Council’s recent meeting (22 March, 2011) was a joint statement delivered by Colombia on behalf of 85 States on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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