Mon 5 Oct 2015 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
In an unprecedented move, 12 UN agencies have issued a call to action on ending violence and discrimination against LGBT and intersex people. Human Rights Office’s Chief of Global Issues, Charles Radcliffe says never before have so many UN agencies come together in defence of LGBT human rights. He says; “It’s both an expression of commitment on the part of UN agencies, and a powerful call to action for Governments around the world to do more to tackle homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination and abuses against intersex people.” The statement reads; “While welcoming increasing efforts in many countries to protect the rights of LGBTI people, we remain seriously concerned that around the world, millions of LGBTI individuals, those perceived as LGBTI and their families face widespread human rights violations. This is cause for alarm – and action.” The agencies recommend states implement protections including; recognising the persecution of LGBT peoples as a valid ground for asylum, investigating, prosecuting and providing remedy for acts of violence, torture and ill-treatment, strengthening laws against hate crime and hate speech, reviewing and repealing discriminatory laws and ensure legal recognition of gender identity without intrusive requirements. The coming together of such a broad spectrum of agencies is a significant action, recognising the extensive impact LGBT human rights violations can have on whole communities. The joint statement makes links between human rights abuses against LGBT people and ill health, family break-up, social and economic exclusion and lost opportunities for development and economic growth.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 5th October 2015 - 11:05am