The United Nations expert on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity has spoken out against global violations of LGBT+ rights.
Vitit Muntarbhorn delivered his first report to the UN Member States in New York, calling on the need for increased protections for sexual and gender minorities around the world.
“It is unconscionable that people with an actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression different from a particular social norm, are targeted for violence and discrimination in many parts of the world,” said Muntarbhorn.
“More than 70 countries around the world today still criminalise same-sex relations, and in some of them the death penalty may be applied,” he added, presenting his report to the UN General Assembly’s main body dealing with human rights and social and humanitarian issues (Third Committee).
Same-sex sexual relations are currently illegal in 76 countries including Singapore, India, Uganda, Iran and Jamaica.
Muntarbhorn added that there was a strong need for anti-discrimination measures in “both the public and private spheres”.
“Non-governmental organisations, human rights defenders and activists, as well as independent national human rights institutions, play a crucial role in the advancement of an inclusive agenda for all without discrimination and distinction, including through the promotion of understanding of and respect for human rights and gender diversity,” he said.
“They are agents of change which can activate significant reform processes."
Muntarbhorn resigns
The UN speech made this week in New York is to be Muntarbhorn’s last in the role—having been appointed as investigator in September 2016.
Muntarbhorn has cited illness and family reasons for his resignation and will officially finish up on October 31st. The UN has begun the process of finding his successor.
Mr Muntarbhorn was appointed in 2016 as the first ever UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to monitor global violence and discrimination against the LGBT+ community.
