How to Protect the Human Rights of LGBT People
The top human rights body at the United Nations has voted to appoint an independent expert on protection from violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people.
The Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution to create the new post. According to a UN spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the move.
“I can tell you that the Secretary-General believes that the Human Rights Council marked another important step forward when it decided to appoint a UN Independent Expert to monitor and report on levels of violence and discrimination against LGBT people globally,” said spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
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“It is clear that there’s still so much that needs to be done to protect people from violence, tackle discrimination at work, end bullying in schools and ensure access to healthcare, housing and essential services,” he added.
For the first time, work on this issue will be effectively institutionalized at the Human Rights Council and there will regular reporting on these issues through the Council and the General Assembly.
The expert, to be appointed in September for an initial 3-year term, will carry out country visits, take up individual allegations with Governments and work to support and protect human rights defenders.
The position will look at issues related to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, but not intersex.
