UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

[1]

In an historic and long-awaited move, the United Nations has adopted a resolution to appoint the first Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [2] (SOGI).

United Nations [3]

LGBTI [4]

SOGI [5]

Posted: 1 July 2016

The resolution was passed at the UN’s Human Rights Council yesterday in Geneva with 23 votes in favour, 18 against and 6 abstentions.

The new Independent Expert [2] will monitor human rights violations against LGBTI people, monitor the implementation of anti-discrimination laws and be an international voice for sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

ILGA-Europe offer our congratulations to the dedicated LGBTI activists worldwide who have tirelessly campaigned towards this goal. Yesterday’s vote was a significant development at global level and is the result of all their hard work.

Read more in this statement from ILGA World [6], with comments from ILGA-Europe board member Micah Grzywnowicz who attended the Human Rights Council session.