Photo by Tanushree Rao on Unsplash
Despite being one of the most vulnerable groups of defenders, LGBTIQ rights defenders continue to work toward enhanced respect, dignity, equality and a world free from violence and discrimination for their communities, for everyone!
Millions of people around the world face human rights violations because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). These violations are often ignored or given insufficient attention by governments, especially when they are committed by government authorities themselves. Violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) persons and their organisations remain widespread, as does the criminalisation of advocacy for LGBTIQ rights.
In this context, the ability of LGBTIQ rights defenders to engage with the UN and use its mechanisms to put pressure on States to make positive change is even more important. Yet it is only in the past several years that SOGIESC issues have made it onto the UN agenda. In 2004, a resolution on sexual orientation was withdrawn because it was so contentious. Fifteen years later, the UN Human Rights Council voted to renew the mandate of its independent expert dedicated to combating violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), first established in 2016.
ISHR has played a significant role in supporting progress on the rights of LGBTI persons and communities at the UN, assisting LGBTI communities and activists to participate in and have their voices heard.
Building on our leading role in developing the Yogyakarta Principles on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and the YP plus 10, and in contributing to the creation and renewal of a the first Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of SOGI, our work with LGBTI rights defenders strengthens international and regional protections against violence and discrimination.
ISHR stands with LGBTI rights defenders in their work, providing intensive training and advocacy support, lobbying to ensure that the role and protection needs of LGBTI rights defenders are reflected in international resolutions and standards, and working with LGBTI rights activists and groups to promote the effective implementation of these resolutions and standards on the ground. ISHR works within a global coalition of LGBTI rights organisations, as part of the LGBTQ movement.
With enhanced communication and solidarity across the LGBTI global movement, as well as human rights movement more generally, the advocacy against violence and discrimination will not only continue but strengthen.
Here at ISHR we are constantly being inspired by the brave people taking action to defend human rights and want to share some of their stories with you.
'To promote respect for sexual diversity is important. I really hope to promote social projects based on respect for LGBTI people,' says Daniella Solano Morales, consultant and promoter with MULABI Latin America Space for sexualities and human rights in Costa Rica.
In this video, Daniella reflects on the necessity of her work and on how using UN mechanisms can help improve its impact and bring about change on the ground.
ISHR was honoured to interview Marisa Hutchinson, Board member of the Association EQUALS in Barbados.
"I remember to be hopeful, not because it feels good or because I am waiting for something to happen on its own, but because I believe in my own power and the magic we create when queer people, Black people, women come together to channel our rage, righteous and raw, into sustained action." We were privileged to hear human rights defender Alicia Wallace's powerful message and would like to share her story with you below.
Check out all the latest updates to this topic
At the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Chad, ISHR and the Ligue Tchadienne des Droits de l'Homme (LTDH) delivered a statement calling on Chad to strengthen the protection of civic space and ensure that freedom of peaceful assembly is protected.
At the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report for Mauritius by the Human Rights Council, ISHR and Dis-Moi delivered a joint statement calling on authorities to strengthen support for defenders and expand the mandate of the National Human Rights Commission.
As the Human Rights Council discussed the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report for Nigeria, ISHR and Partnership for Justice urged authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders.
At the adoption of the report of its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), China ignored calls to implement UN findings and dismissed all serious criticism of its human rights record, refusing to budge on the documented plight of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, human rights activists, lawyers, and more. We urged China to genuinely engage with the UN to enact meaningful reforms.
During an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan on 19 June, in which he presented his most recent report to the UN Human Rights Council, ISHR made a statement noting that the pursuit of justice for women and girls in Afghanistan demands a multifaceted approach including various accountability mechanisms.
On 20 June, Graeme Reid presented his first report as Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, to the 56th session of the Human Rights Council. He expressed concern about laws and policies restricting freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association that target people based on sexual orientation and gender identity in all regions.
"I remember to be hopeful... because I believe in my own power."
