Jump to content

LGBTQI+ rights at the United Nations: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→References: added a source link
added sources for 2014 policy change
Line 14: Line 14:
The report, which came out in December 2011, documented human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including [[hate crime]]s, criminalization of homosexuality, and discrimination. High Commissioner [[Navi Pillay]] called for equitable ages of consent; comprehensive laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation; prompt investigation and recording of hate crime incidents; the repeal of laws criminalizing homosexuality; and other measures to ensure the protection of the rights of LGBT persons.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=United Nations |title=UN issues first report on human rights of gay and lesbian people |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40743 |date=15 December 2011}}</ref> The text of the report from the UNHRC is dated on 17 November 2011.<ref>[http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/19session/A.HRC.19.41_en.pdf Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, A.HRC/19/41]</ref>
The report, which came out in December 2011, documented human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including [[hate crime]]s, criminalization of homosexuality, and discrimination. High Commissioner [[Navi Pillay]] called for equitable ages of consent; comprehensive laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation; prompt investigation and recording of hate crime incidents; the repeal of laws criminalizing homosexuality; and other measures to ensure the protection of the rights of LGBT persons.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=United Nations |title=UN issues first report on human rights of gay and lesbian people |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40743 |date=15 December 2011}}</ref> The text of the report from the UNHRC is dated on 17 November 2011.<ref>[http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/19session/A.HRC.19.41_en.pdf Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, A.HRC/19/41]</ref>


In July 2014, the United Nations (as an employer) announced it would extend equal benefits to employees in same-sex unions entered into in jurisdictions where they are legal.
In July 2014, the United Nations (as an employer) announced it would extend equal benefits to employees in same-sex unions entered into in jurisdictions where they are legal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-08 |title=UN widens its same-sex marriage policy to include all legally-married staff {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/07/472572 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305080552/https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/07/472572 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=news.un.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ziegler |first=Andreas R. |url=https://www.elgaronline.com/display/book/9781789903621/9781789903621.xml |title=Elgar Encyclopedia of Human Rights |pages=240–245 |chapter=Sexual Orientation |doi= |chapter-url=https://serval.unil.ch/resource/serval:BIB_0624281385C8.S001/REF}}</ref>


In September 2014, [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]] and [[Uruguay]] led on a follow-up resolution at the UNHRC. This second resolution on "human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/RES/27/32|title=HRC resolution 27/32 on "human rights & SOGI"|website=ap.ohchr.org|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> passed with an increased vote margin (25 to 14, 7 abstentions), reflecting the trend for increased support by member states to address these issues at the international level.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Discrimination/Endingviolence_ACHPR_IACHR_UN_SOGI_dialogue_EN.pdf|title=Norms, case law and practices relevant to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status in the United Nations system (Annex 6)}}</ref> It requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to update the 2011 report "with a view to sharing good practices and ways to overcome violence and discrimination, in application of existing international human rights law and standards". The update was presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2015.
In September 2014, [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]] and [[Uruguay]] led on a follow-up resolution at the UNHRC. This second resolution on "human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/RES/27/32|title=HRC resolution 27/32 on "human rights & SOGI"|website=ap.ohchr.org|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> passed with an increased vote margin (25 to 14, 7 abstentions), reflecting the trend for increased support by member states to address these issues at the international level.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Discrimination/Endingviolence_ACHPR_IACHR_UN_SOGI_dialogue_EN.pdf|title=Norms, case law and practices relevant to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status in the United Nations system (Annex 6)}}</ref> It requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to update the 2011 report "with a view to sharing good practices and ways to overcome violence and discrimination, in application of existing international human rights law and standards". The update was presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2015.

Revision as of 14:15, 1 June 2024

LGBTQI+ rights at the United Nations
  
 Neither States which did not support either declaration
  
 Non-member states States that are not voting members of the United Nations
  
 Oppose States which supported an opposing declaration in 2008 and continued their opposition in 2011
  
 Subsequent member South Sudan, did not exist in 2008
  
 Support States which supported the LGBT rights declaration in the General Assembly or on the Human Rights Council in 2008 or 2011

Discussions of LGBT rights at the United Nations have included resolutions and joint statements in the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), attention to the expert-led human rights mechanisms (such as the United Nations Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures), as well as by the UN Agencies.

Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations political bodies had not discussed LGBT rights (regarding equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity) until 1994 through the favorable resolution of the Toonen v. Australia case by the UN Human Rights Committee.[1]

In April 2003, Brazil presented a resolution prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. However, in the ensuing debates the Commission voted to postpone discussions on the resolution until 2004.[2]

In December 2006, the discussions expanded to include gender identity, when Norway presented a joint statement on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the Commission on Human Rights on behalf of 54 states. This was followed by a joint statement presented at the General Assembly by Argentina on behalf of 66 states in December 2008. The 2008 statement in support of LGBT rights in the General Assembly prompted a statement backed by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in opposition to LGBT rights. Both statements remain open for signature, and neither has been officially adopted by the General Assembly.

On 17 June 2011, South Africa led a resolution at the UNHRC requesting that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) draft a report "documenting discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity" to follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.[3] The resolution passed with 23 votes in favour to 19 against, with 3 abstentions. It was the first such resolution and was hailed as "historic".[4]

The report, which came out in December 2011, documented human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including hate crimes, criminalization of homosexuality, and discrimination. High Commissioner Navi Pillay called for equitable ages of consent; comprehensive laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation; prompt investigation and recording of hate crime incidents; the repeal of laws criminalizing homosexuality; and other measures to ensure the protection of the rights of LGBT persons.[5] The text of the report from the UNHRC is dated on 17 November 2011.[6]

In July 2014, the United Nations (as an employer) announced it would extend equal benefits to employees in same-sex unions entered into in jurisdictions where they are legal.[7][8]

In September 2014, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay led on a follow-up resolution at the UNHRC. This second resolution on "human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity"[9] passed with an increased vote margin (25 to 14, 7 abstentions), reflecting the trend for increased support by member states to address these issues at the international level.[10] It requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to update the 2011 report "with a view to sharing good practices and ways to overcome violence and discrimination, in application of existing international human rights law and standards". The update was presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2015.

In 2016, the UNHRC passed a resolution to appoint an Independent Expert to find the causes of violence and discrimination against people due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, and discuss with governments about how to protect those people. This long-term OHCHR-based mandate has been seen as the UN's "most overt expression of gay rights as human rights".[11]

Also in 2016, the UN Security Council condemned the Orlando nightclub shooting; this statement marked the first time the U.N. Security Council used language recognizing violence targeting the LGBT community.[12]

As of 2024, same-sex marriage is legally performed and recognized in 36 UN member states.[13]

Background

Worldwide laws regarding same-sex intercourse, unions and expression
Same-sex intercourse illegal. Penalties:
  Death
  Prison; death not enforced
  Death under militias
  Prison, with arrests or detention
  Prison, not enforced1
Same-sex intercourse legal. Recognition of unions:
  Marriage
  Extraterritorial marriage2
  Civil unions
  Limited domestic
  Limited foreign
  Optional certification
  None
  Restrictions of expression, not enforced
  Restrictions of association with arrests or detention

1No imprisonment in the past three years or moratorium on law.
2Marriage not available locally. Some jurisdictions may perform other types of partnerships.

As of 2010, same-sex relationships are illegal in 76 countries and punishable by death in five.[14]

In the 1980s, early United Nations reports on the HIV/AIDS pandemic made some reference to homosexuality.

In its 1994 decision in Toonen v. Australia, the UN Human Rights Committee—which is responsible for the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)—declared that laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations between adults are in violation of international human rights law.[15]

In September 1995, sexual orientation became a topic of debate in the negotiations on the Draft of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action[16][17][18][19] at the 4th World Conference on Women. While the proposed language on "sexual orientation" was eventually dropped from the text, it was the first time governments took a public and explicit stance for or against the inclusion and recognition of sexual orientation as part of women's right to control their sexuality. At this conference, Beverley Palesa Ditsie became the first openly lesbian person to address the United Nations regarding LGBT issues, calling for States to adopt resolutions that recognized sexual diversity.

In 2003, Brazil tabled a Resolution at the UN Commission on Human Rights, stressing that human rights apply to all human beings regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution was indefinitely deferred (the Commission itself ceased in 2006 when the UN replaced it with the Human Rights Council). Since 2008, the 34 member countries of the Organization of American States have unanimously approved a series of resolutions affirming that human rights protections extend to sexual orientation and gender identity.[15] Since 2002, the UN General Assembly has included a reference to sexual orientation in its biennial resolutions on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, as did the former Commission on Human Rights in the year 2000 and from 2002 to 2005.[20][21] The latter had also addressed the use of the death penalty for sexual relations between consenting adults in its annual resolutions on the death penalty between 2002 and 2005.[10]

In recent years the General Assembly resolution on executions also covered gender identity as a ground for protection.[10]

Joint statements

A series of joint statements on sexual orientation and gender identity by Member States at the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council between 2006 and 2011 provides evidence of increasing support for the issues among UN Member States.[22]

Following meetings between international advocacy leader Louis-Georges Tin and French Minister of Human Rights and Foreign Affairs Rama Yade in early 2008, Yade announced that she would appeal at the UN for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality; the appeal was quickly taken up as an international concern.[23] Co-sponsored by France (which then held the rotating presidency of the EU) and the Netherlands on behalf of the EU, the declaration had been intended as a resolution; it was decided to use the format of a declaration of a limited group of states because there was not enough support for the adoption of an official resolution by the General Assembly as a whole. The declaration was read out into the General Assembly Record by Ambassador Jorge Argüello of Argentina on 18 December 2008—the first declaration concerning gay rights read in the General Assembly.[24][25] The statement includes a condemnation of violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatization, and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity that undermine personal integrity and dignity. It also includes condemnation of killings and executions, torture, arbitrary arrest, and deprivation of economic, social, and cultural rights on those grounds. The statement asserts: "we recall the statement in 2006 before the Human Rights Council by fifty four countries requesting the President of the Council to provide an opportunity, at an appropriate future session of the Council, for discussing these violations". Additionally, it says "we commend the attention paid to those issues by special procedures of the Human Rights Council and treaty bodies and encourage them to continue to integrate consideration of human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity within their relevant mandate", indicating the Yogyakarta Principles, which provide definitions in detail on sexual orientation and on gender identity as a document on international human rights law.[26]

Support

Several speakers addressing a conference on the declaration noted that in many countries laws against homosexuality stemmed as much from the British colonial past as from alleged religious or tradition reasons.[24] Voicing France's support for the draft declaration, Rama Yade asked: "How can we tolerate the fact that people are stoned, hanged, decapitated and tortured only because of their sexual orientation?"[24] UK-based activist Peter Tatchell said of the declaration:

This was history in the making… Securing this statement at the UN is the result of an inspiring collective global effort by many LGBT and human rights organisations. Our collaboration, unity and solidarity have won us this success. As well as IDAHO, I pay tribute to the contribution and lobbying of Amnesty International; ARC International; Center for Women's Global Leadership; COC Netherlands; Global Rights; Human Rights Watch; International Committee for IDAHO (the International Day Against Homophobia); International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC); International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA); International Service for Human Rights; Pan Africa ILGA; and Public Services International.[27]

Signatories

96 member-states of the United Nations have sponsored the declaration in support of LGBTQ+ rights in the General Assembly, in the UNHRC, or in both. Sponsoring nations are listed below.[23][28][29][30]

Opposition

Among the first to voice opposition for the declaration, in early December 2008, was the Holy See's Permanent Observer at the United Nations, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, who claimed that the declaration could be used to force countries to recognise same-sex marriage: "If adopted, they would create new and implacable discriminations. For example, states which do not recognise same-sex unions as 'matrimony' will be pilloried and made an object of pressure."[32] A key part of the Vatican opposition to the draft Declaration relates to the concept of gender identity. In a statement on 19 December,[33] Archbishop Migliore noted: "In particular, the categories 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity', used in the text, find no recognition or clear and agreed definition in international law. If they had to be taken into consideration in the proclaiming and implementing of fundamental rights, these would create serious uncertainty in the law as well as undermine the ability of States to enter into and enforce new and existing human rights conventions and standards."[33] However, Archbishop Migliore also made clear the Vatican's opposition to legal discrimination against homosexuals: "The Holy See continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards homosexual persons should be avoided and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them."[33] In an editorial response, the Italian newspaper La Stampa called the Vatican's reasoning "grotesque", claiming that the Vatican feared a "chain reaction in favour of legally recognised homosexual unions in countries, like Italy, where there is currently no legislation."[34]

The United States, citing conflicts with US law,[14] originally opposed the adoption of the nonbinding measure, as did Russia, China, the Holy See, and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).[24] The Obama administration changed the US position to support the measure in February 2009.[35] An alternative statement, supported by 57 member nations, was read by the Syrian representative in the General Assembly.[36] The OIC-led statement rejected the idea that sexual orientation is a matter of genetic coding and claimed that the declaration threatened to undermine the international framework of human rights,[24] adding that the statement "delves into matters which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states" and could lead to "the social normalization, and possibly the legitimization, of many deplorable acts including paedophilia".[14]

The OIC failed in a related attempt to delete the phrase "sexual orientation" from a Swedish-backed formal resolution condemning summary executions.[24] Recently, though, the phrase was removed (with 79 votes to 70)[37] and then subsequently restored (by a vote of 93 to 55).[38]

Signatories

In 2008, 57 UN member nations initially co-sponsored the opposing statement.[39] Three countries (Fiji, Rwanda and Sierra Leone) later switched their position to support the original resolution backing LGBTQ+ rights in 2011, leaving 54 countries as continued sponsors of the statement opposing LGBTQ+ rights. The countries that removed themselves as co-sponsors of the statement opposing LGBTQ+ rights are specifically noted below (all subsequently sponsored the statement supporting LGBTQ+ rights).

Abstain

Signatories

41 member-states of the United Nations have sponsored the declaration in abstention of LGBTQ+ rights in the General Assembly, in the UNHRC, or in both. Sponsoring nations are listed below.[23][28][29][30]

The United Nations LGBTI Core Group

An informal group of United Nations Member States was established in 2008 to focus on LGBTI rights intergovernmentally—by (most notably) ongoing collaboration between Global South and Global North state diplomats. As of 2022, the UN LGBTI Core Group is co-chaired by Argentina and the Netherlands and includes Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, the European Union (as an observer), as well as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN executive agency) and two non-governmental organizations: Human Rights Watch and OutRight Action International.[40][41]

Unclassified discussions open to the public at UNHQ occur once or twice a year and an RSVP is regularly announced on Twitter. An event held on 10 December 2015 looked at The Economic Cost of LGBT Exclusion and offered fiscal effects from exclusionary practices from the World Bank who estimated it to be 5% of GDP and included the companion video released by the UN's Free & Equal campaign. UNDP announced the launch of their LGBTI Inclusions Index, a global collection of data which they hope will help sway minds and move countries toward as extreme hunger or clean water supplies could be remedied if this 5% of GDP was reallocated. At that meeting, the United Nations Development Pro brighter future for LGBTQ+ citizens. Another topic speaker on that day was the CEO of Out & Equal who recounted her 20-year efforts working with Fortune 500 and 1000 companies watching them move from 5% inclusion in 1995 to 90% inclusion by 2015. On 20 September 2017, the Group held an event entitled Ending Violence and Discrimination against LGBTI Persons. This included firsthand reports of Human Rights violations. For 17 May 2018, on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the UN LGBTI Core Group Special Event Celebrating our Allies opened with remarks by the UK Ambassador.

During the 2018 UN LGBTI Core Group meeting, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said:[42][43][44][45]

More than 70 countries criminalise consensual same-sex relationships, and also criminalise transgender people based on their appearance. These laws subject LGBTQ+ people to long prison sentences, and in some cases physical punishment. They also implicitly encourage prejudice, hatred and violence. But laws can change … we need to see more countries taking steps to bring their laws and practices in line with the fundamental equality of all their people. It is essential that we defend and protect the LGBTI community, from every kind of violence and discrimination. There should be nothing 'controversial' about stopping people being murdered, or executed by agents of the State, simply because of who they are or whom they love. Tackling extreme violence does not require new norms.

UN Human Rights Council

A resolution submitted by South Africa requesting a study on discrimination and sexual orientation (A/HRC/RES/17/19) passed, 23 to 19, with 3 abstentions, in the UNHRC on 17 June 2011.[46] This is the first time that any United Nations body approved a resolution affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ people.[47] The resolution called on the office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to draw up the first UN report "documenting discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity". The votes on this resolution were as follows:

The High Commissioner's report, released December 2011, found that violence against LGBTQ+ persons remains common, and confirmed that "Seventy-six countries retain laws that are used to criminalize people on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity" (para. 40), and that "In at least five countries the death penalty may be applied to those found guilty of offences relating to consensual, adult homosexual conduct" (para. 45).[48]

The High Commissioner's report led to a panel discussion by the Human Rights Council in March 2012. The divided nature of the UN (and the Council in particular) was again evident. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation as "a monumental tragedy for those affected and a stain on the collective consciousness" (para. 3), and many others voiced similar concerns. However, "A number of states had signaled their opposition to any discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity by leaving the Council chamber at the start of the meeting", and "A number voiced their opposition on cultural or religious grounds, or argued that sexual orientation and gender identity were new concepts that lay outside the framework of international human rights law" (para. 11)[49]

The UNHRC adopted a second resolution related to sexual orientation and gender identity on 26 September 2014 (A/HRC/RES/27/32).[50][51] Among other things, the resolution calls a report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on best practices for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It passed by a vote of 25 to 14, marking the first time the UNHRC adopted a resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity with the majority of its members.[50][51] The second resolution voting was as follows:

Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Main article: United Nations Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

In 2016, the UNHRC passed a resolution to appoint an independent expert to find the causes of violence and discrimination against people due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, and discuss with governments about how to protect those people.[52][11] Accordingly, Vitit Muntarbhorn, a Thai international law professor experienced in UN fieldwork, was the first UN Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (IE-SOGI). Victor Madrigal-Borloz, a Costa Rican jurist experienced in human rights internationally, started 1 January 2018 as the second and current mandate-holder.[53] On 12 July 2019, a vote to renew this position for another three years was passed by the Human Rights Council.[54]

Intersex rights resolutions

Further information: Intersex human rights

In March 2019, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted without a vote a resolution brought by South Africa on the rights of intersex people that "expresses concerns about existing discriminatory regulations, rules and practices that require some women and girl athletes to medically reduce their blood testosterone levels by undergoing unnecessary, humiliating and harmful medical procedures or hormone therapy in order to participate in women's events in competitive sports". The resolution also requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights to prepare a report on the intersections between race and gender discrimination in sports. It recognises the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that women and girls face in sports settings, because of their race and sex, and the right to bodily integrity and autonomy, among other things.[55]

In April 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted resolution with a broader scope, titled "Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons."[56] The resolution was led by Australia, Chile, Finland and South Africa. It was adopted by a vote of 24 in favor, none opposed and 23 abstaining.[57] The resolution "Express[es] grave concern about the violence and harmful practices that persons with innate variations in sex characteristics, including children, face in all regions of the world, including medically unnecessary or deferrable interventions, which may be irreversible, with respect to sex characteristics, performed without the full, free and informed consent of the person, and in the case of children without complying with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child."[56] It also requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report and decides to convene a panel discussion in September 2025.[56]

UN Secretary-General and Secretariat

On 25 September 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed support for a move towards greater respect for LGBTQ+ rights. In a pre-recorded speech, he addressed members of the UN LGBTI Core Group. He also praised India for legalising gay sex after the repeal of Section 377. He told attendees: "The United Nations stands up for the rights of the LGBTI community. Many of its members are imprisoned, abused and even killed simply for who they are or whom they love." He added: "Progress has been made in recent years, including this month with the decision by the Supreme Court of India. But so long as people face criminalisation, bias and violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, we must redouble our efforts to end these violations. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let me underscore that the United Nations will never give up the fight until everyone can live free and equal in dignity and rights."[58][59][60] His speech was well received by LGBTQ+ activists, who praised it as an encouraging step.[61][62]

Treatment of UN staff

In July 2014, it was announced that the United Nations (as an employer) would extend equal benefits to its employees who have entered into same-sex unions in jurisdictions where they are legal. Under the new policy, staff who have married a same-sex spouse in a jurisdiction will receive the same benefits and recognition as those in heterosexual marriages, regardless of whether same-sex marriage is legal in their country of citizenship. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon supported a move towards greater respect for gay rights. He stated: "Human rights are at the core of the mission of the United Nations. I am proud to stand for greater equality for all staff, and I call on all members of our UN family to unite in rejecting homophobia as discrimination that can never be tolerated at our workplace."[63]

UN agencies and entities

Agencies and entities in the UN system have increasingly addressed human rights issues relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status in recent years.[10] An early and important milestone was in 1994 when the World Health Organisation clarified that homosexuality was neither a disorder nor a disease when it removed sexual orientation from the International Classification of Diseases.[10]

Since then other UN entities have made efforts to integrate issues concerning LGBTI persons into their work, including the OHCHR, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).[10] For example, in 2013 the ILO issued the results of a pilot research on discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity;[10] in 2014, UNDP released a discussion paper on transgender health and human rights; also that year, UNICEF published an issues paper on eliminating discrimination against children and parents based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity;[10] and since 2013 the OHCHR has dedicated ongoing efforts to produce a multipronged awareness-raising campaign, Free & Equal, relating to the human rights of LGBTI persons.[10]

In 2014, the OHCHR, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, the World Bank and UNAIDS issued a joint report providing a snapshot of the work of UN bodies in combating discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and related work in support of LGBTI communities around the world, together with a contact list of focal points in each UN entity and links and references to documents, reports and other materials that can be consulted for further information.[10]

In 2015, the ILO, OHCHR, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNODC, UN Women, WFP and WHO issued a joint statement calling on states to act urgently to end violence and discrimination against LGBTI adults, adolescents and children.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Toonen v. Australia, Communication No. 488/1992, U.N. Doc CCPR/C/50/D/488/1992 (1994).
  2. ^ IGLHRC (2003). "Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Human Rights - United Nations Commission on Human Rights - IGLHRC Campaign Dossier" (PDF). IGLHRC. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action". United Nations General Assembly. 14 July 2011. A/HRC/RES/17/19. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  4. ^ Jordans, Frank (June 17, 2011). "UN passes historic resolution in support of LGBT equality". Associated Press.
  5. ^ "UN issues first report on human rights of gay and lesbian people". United Nations. 15 December 2011.
  6. ^ Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, A.HRC/19/41
  7. ^ "UN widens its same-sex marriage policy to include all legally-married staff | UN News". news.un.org. 2014-07-08. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
  8. ^ Ziegler, Andreas R. "Sexual Orientation". Elgar Encyclopedia of Human Rights. pp. 240–245.
  9. ^ "HRC resolution 27/32 on "human rights & SOGI"". ap.ohchr.org. Retrieved 2016-05-31.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Norms, case law and practices relevant to sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status in the United Nations system (Annex 6)" (PDF).
  11. ^ a b Morello, Carol. "U.N. council creates watchdog for LGBT rights". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  12. ^ "UN Acknowledges Human Rights Violation Against LGBT Community". M.voanews.com. 2016-06-14. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  13. ^ "The Dutch went first in 2001; who has same-sex marriage now?". Associated Press. 28 April 2021.
  14. ^ a b c "State-sponsored Homophobia" (PDF). The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. May 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-11-22.
  15. ^ a b "United Nations: General assembly to address sexual orientation and gender identity - Statement affirms promise of Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (Press release). Amnesty International. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2009.[permanent dead link‍]
  16. ^ "Women's Sexual Autonomy Universality, Sexual Rights, and Sexual Orientation at". Retrieved 2021-06-17.
  17. ^ "Vol 16, No 3 (1996)". cws.journals.yorku.ca. Retrieved 2021-06-17.
  18. ^ "SexPolitics - Front Lines". www.sxpolitics.org. Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  19. ^ Girard, Françoise. "Negotiating Sexual Rights and Sexual Orientation at the UN" (PDF). Retrieved 2021-12-07.
  20. ^ "UNGA 77: Resolution on Extrajudicial and Arbitrary Executions adopted again with a reference to sexual orientation and gender identity". International Service for Human Rights (ISHR). 2022. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of this resolution including a reference to 'sexual orientation' and the tenth anniversary of it including a reference to 'sexual orientation and gender identity
  21. ^ International human rights references to human rights violations on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (PDF). International Commission of Jurists. pp. 12–14.
  22. ^ "SOGI Joint Statements".
  23. ^ a b c "UN: General Assembly statement affirms rights for all" (Press release). Amnesty International. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  24. ^ a b c d e f MacFarquhar, Neil (18 December 2008). "In a First, Gay Rights Are Pressed at the U.N." New York Times. Retrieved 20 December 2008.
  25. ^ "GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS 52 RESOLUTIONS, 6 DECISIONS RECOMMENDED BY THIRD COMMITTEE ON WIDE RANGE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN ISSUES". United Nations Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  26. ^ The Preamble of The Yogyakarta Principles
  27. ^ Tatchell, Peter (18 December 2008). "66 countries sign UN gay rights statement". Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  28. ^ a b "Over 80 Nations Support Statement at Human Rights Council on LGBT Rights » US Mission Geneva". Geneva.usmission.gov. 22 March 2011. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  29. ^ a b In turnaround, US signs UN gay rights document. Reuters. March 18, 2009
  30. ^ a b "UN: Landmark Resolution on Anti-Gay Bias | Human Rights Watch". Archived from the original on 27 September 2014.
  31. ^ Signed as "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"
  32. ^ "Vatican criticised for opposing gay decriminalisation". The Irish Times. 2 December 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  33. ^ a b c "Statement of the Holy See Delegation at the 63rd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Declaration on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" (Press release). Holy See. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  34. ^ Pullella, Philip (2 December 2008). "Vatican attacked for opposing gay decriminalisation". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  35. ^ Pleming, Sue (18 March 2009). "In turnaround, U.S. signs U.N. gay rights document". Reuters. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  36. ^ "Microsoft Word - 10.3_GLBT_UN.doc" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  37. ^ "GA Third Committee deletes 'sexual orientation' from resolution on extrajudicial executions". Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
  38. ^ "Civil Society Pressures Governments to Successfully Reverse Discriminatory Vote at UN | OutRight". Iglhrc.org. 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  39. ^ "General Assembly: 70th and 71st plenary meeting, morning session, 02:32:00". United Nations. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  40. ^ "Core Group History". unlgbticoregroup.org. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  41. ^ "Keeping LGBT Rights Active on the UN Agenda | PassBlue". www.passblue.com. 8 December 2015. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  42. ^ Duffy, Nick (27 September 2018). "UN chief praises India for axing anti-gay law, vows to 'stand up for' LGBT+ rights". PinkNews.
  43. ^ "Violence against the LGBTI community: UN focuses on 'need to challenge hatred'". UN News. 27 September 2018.
  44. ^ "LGBTI: Time to break the taboo of immortality, embrace the difference". United News of India. 26 September 2018.
  45. ^ "UNHRC cites Indian apex court's ruling on gay sex, urges countries to amend laws". The News Indian Express. 26 September 2018.
  46. ^ "UN Human Rights Council". 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  47. ^ Jordans, Frank (2011-05-17). "UN group backs gay rights for the 1st time ever". Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-05-17.
  48. ^ High Commissioner for Human Rights. "Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity" (PDF). Retrieved 21 January 2013.
  49. ^ Human Rights Council. "Human Rights Council panel on ending violence and discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity". Retrieved 21 January 2013.
  50. ^ a b Adam Howard (2014-05-01). "UN passes resolution on behalf of LGBT citizens around the globe". MSNBC. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  51. ^ a b "PH votes yes to landmark UN reso on gay rights". Rappler.com. 2014-09-27. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  52. ^ United Nations Human Rights Council Session 32 Resolution 32/2. Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 30 June 2016—32/2: Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity A/HRC/RES/32/2 15 July 2016.
  53. ^ United Nations Human Rights Council Session Organizational Session for 12th Cycle Agenda item OS12. President's letter proposing candidate for vacancy of the mandate of Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Joaquin Alexander Maza Martelli, President (in English). 20 November 2017.
  54. ^ Campaign, Human Rights. "U.N. Human Rights Council Votes in Favor of Independent Expert". Human Rights Campaign. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved 2019-11-02.
  55. ^ "FIRST UN RESOLUTION ON THE RIGHTS OF INTERSEX PERSONS: UN CALLS TO END DISCRIMINATION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS, INCLUDING WOMEN BORN WITH VARIATIONS OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS". ILGA. 22 March 2019.
  56. ^ a b c "Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons". Extranet, Human Rights Council. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  57. ^ "Result of the Vote: A/HRC/55/L.9" (PDF). Extranet, Human Rights Council. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  58. ^ "Secretary-General's video message to the Ministerial Level meeting of the UN LGBTI Core Group". United Nations Secretary-General. 25 September 2018.
  59. ^ "UN Human Rights chief cites Indian apex court's ruling on gay sex, urges countries to amend laws". The Times of India. 26 September 2018.
  60. ^ Glauert, Rik (26 September 2018). "We must 'redouble' efforts for LGBTI equality, says United Nations". Gay Star News.
  61. ^ "Gay Rights Activists Hail UN Chief's Support for LGBT Community". Voice of America. 26 September 2018.
  62. ^ Greenhalgh, Hugo (26 September 2018). "Gay rights groups hail landmark U.N. chief speech backing LGBT+ community". Reuters.
  63. ^ "United Nations will now recognize gay marriage". Archived from the original on 2014-10-18. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Wikinews has related news:
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LGBTQI%2B_rights_at_the_United_Nations&oldid=1226737052"