Iran: Human Rights Council must convene a special session
Fifty organisations urge the UN Human Rights Council to urgently convene a special session to address an unprecedented escalation in mass unlawful killings of protesters in Iran.
ISHR hosts welcoming reception for UN’s new independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity issues
Historic UN position dedicated to combatting violence and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people around the world has commenced with public consultations in Geneva.
Given how much effort was required to secure the creation of the new UN expert position – which even faced a last minute challenge during the last General Assembly session of 2016 – it was fantastic to have the opportunity to finally welcome Vitit Muntarbhorn to the role by hosting a reception for him with our friends at ILGA World.
The reception provided a relaxed and informal opportunity for civil society members and State representatives to meet and greet Professor Muntarbhorn ahead of the public consultation sessions he held in Geneva about his mandate.
Professor Muntarbhorn, a former ISHR board member, will be a dedicated advocate for LGBT rights, and will research and consult with communities, engage with governments, and provide technical assistance to develop tangible strategies for filling the gap in legal protections aimed at reducing violent hate.
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