The High Line Hotel in New York City's Chelsea district decorated the rainbow flag for gay Pride Month in June.
May 17 marks the 20th International Day Against Homophobia, Bisexuality and Transphobia. This year's theme is "Leaving no one behind: equality, freedom and justice for all". UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the theme is a reminder of the obligation to respect the human rights and dignity of every human being, and called for a world where everyone can enjoy respect, dignity and human rights.
In his message, Guterres praised the human rights defenders of LGBTI people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender-singular and intersex people, for their courageous work in fighting for the prohibition of discrimination and ensuring equality before the law.
By the end of 2023, more than 100 countries had taken positive steps to safeguard the rights of LGBTI people. Legal reforms in 35 UN Member States have brought full marital equality to same-sex couples. Forty-three Member States prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or sexual characteristics.
Reflection and concern
At the same time, Guterres also expressed concern about the rapid development of some events. "The new law is codifying old stubborn bigotries and is exploiting fear and inciting hatred," he said.
The Secretary-General stressed that the criminalization of same-sex relations must end, as must the violence, discrimination and harmful practices of all LGBTI minorities.
In a statement, UN Women also noted that persecution of LGBTI people continues to an alarming extent in many countries. Anti-gay trends have emerged in many countries and restrictions on the rights of transgender people. Marginalized groups, including LGBTI people, are often the most affected in crises and are not able to receive timely assistance.
UN Women urges all stakeholders to come together to help advance the common goal of equality, justice and freedom for all.
Human rights expert: Eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
On Thursday, more than 60 UN independent human rights experts issued a joint statement expressing concern about the current situation of LGBTI people.
"For many people around the world, systemic discrimination, threats of violence or direct exposure to violence remain a harsh reality that prevents them from realizing their human rights, including the right to development," the experts said. LGBTI people are at greater risk of arbitrary killings, including arbitrary executions by authorities in some countries. ”
The experts noted the proliferation of laws and policies restricting fundamental freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and the increase in hostile rhetoric from intolerance and prejudice. These limit the public expression of one's identity and contribute to an environment of impunity for violence and discrimination.
The experts called on States to uphold the inherent dignity of all human beings without discrimination and to address the root causes of discrimination and violence. "The theme of 'Leaving No One Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All' reminds us that there is still much work to be done by all stakeholders, including business enterprises, to ensure that violence and discrimination against all people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity end," they said. ”
Special rapporteurs and working groups are part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name of the independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanism of the Human Rights Council, dealing with country-specific situations or thematic issues around the world. Special procedures experts work on a voluntary basis. They are not United Nations staff members and do not receive a salary at the United Nations. They are independent from any government or organization and serve the United Nations in their individual capacity.
