The expert “has the mission of assessing the application of international human rights legislation, investigating violence and discrimination against LGBT people and people with gender diversity and help states, united nations agencies and other mandates and organisms of international and regional systems solve these problems”.
The UN Human Rights Council renewed on Monday the mandate of the only United Nations expert who is dedicated to combating violence and discrimination against lesbians, gay, bisexuals, trans (LGBT) people and people with gender diversity.
“The renewal of this mandate is a spark of hope at a time when the reactionary powers around the world are trying to dismantle the progress that our communities have fought so hard to achieve,” said Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International NGO ILGA, dedicated to the defense of LGBTQia+citizens.
“Regardless of our origin, the color of our skin or the faith that makes us move on, we can all agree with a simple truth: no human being must face violence and discrimination,” said the leader in a press release, commenting on the renewal of the expert’s mandate in sexual orientation, a position currently held by South African Graeme Reid.
The request for renewal of the independent expert’s mandate – position created in 2016 – was presented by six Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Uruguay – and was roasted by 50 countries of all regions.
The expert “has the mission of evaluating the application of international human rights legislation, investigating violence and discrimination against LGBT people and people with gender diversity and help states, united nations agencies and other mandates and organisms of international and regional systems solve these problems,” says ILGA.
The Council approved the resolution for 29 votes in favor, 15 votes against and three abstentions, reaffirming “their commitment to combat discrimination and violence against all people, remembering all states their obligations to people of different sexual guidelines and gender identities,” says UN.
Since the position was created, the office holders made official visits to 11 countries, prepared 17 reports that document discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and “sent communications that document allegations of human rights violations to 171 states from all regions,” says ILGA.
