May 17 is the 20th International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. This year’s theme is “Leave no one behind: equality, freedom and justice for all”. UN Secretary-General Guterres said that this theme reminds people of their obligation to respect the human rights and dignity of everyone, and calls for building a world where everyone enjoys respect, dignity and human rights.
In his speech, Guterres praised the human rights defenders of sexual minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender queer and intersex people, for their fearless work in fighting to prohibit discrimination and ensure equality before the law for all.
As of the end of 2023, more than 100 countries have taken positive measures to protect the rights of LGBTI people. Legal reforms in 35 UN Member States have brought full marriage equality to same-sex couples. 43 Member States prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.
Reflection and worry
At the same time, Guterres also expressed concern about the rapid development of some situations. He pointed out that “new laws are codifying old stubborn bigotry and are exploiting fear and inciting hatred.”
The Secretary-General stressed that the criminalization of same-sex relations must end, as must all violence, discrimination and harmful practices against LGBTI people.
UN Women also pointed out in a statement that in many countries, persecution against sexual minorities continues to an alarming degree. Many countries have seen anti-homosexuality trends and restrictions on the rights of transgender people. In crises, marginalized groups, including sexual minorities, are often the most severely affected, but are unable to receive timely assistance.
UN Women urges all stakeholders to unite and help advance the common goal of equality, justice and freedom for all.
Human rights experts: Eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
On Thursday, more than 60 independent UN human rights experts issued a joint statement expressing concern about the situation of sexual minorities.
“For many people around the world, systemic discrimination, threats of violence or direct exposure to violence remain a harsh reality that hinders the realization of their human rights, including the right to development,” the experts said. “LGBTI people face a heightened risk of arbitrary killings, including arbitrary executions by authorities in some countries.”
The experts noted that a proliferation of laws and policies restricting fundamental freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as well as intolerance and prejudice fueling hostile narratives, limit people’s ability to express their identities publicly and foster an environment of impunity for acts of violence and discrimination.
The experts called on States to uphold the inherent dignity of all people, without distinction, and to address the root causes of discrimination and violence. “The theme ‘Leaving no one behind: equality, freedom and justice for all’ reminds us that much work remains to be done by all stakeholders, including businesses, to ensure an end to violence and discrimination against all people based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” they said.
