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{{Short description|None}}
{{LGBT rights at the UN|size=530px}}
Discussions of '''LGBT rights at the United Nations''' have included resolutions and joint statements in the [[United Nations General Assembly]] and the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] (UNHRC), attention to the expert-led human rights mechanisms (such as the [[Human rights treaty bodies|United Nations Treaty Bodies]] and [[United Nations Special Rapporteur|Special Procedures)]], as well as by the UN Agencies.
As of
Since its founding in 1945, the [[United Nations]] political bodies had not discussed [[LGBT rights]] (regarding equality regardless of [[sexual orientation]] or [[gender identity]]) until 1994 through the favorable resolution of the ''[[Toonen v. Australia]]'' case by the [[UN Human Rights Committee]]. {{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}▼
== History ==
In April 2003, [[Brazilian Resolution|Brazil presented a resolution]] prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to the [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights]]. However, in the ensuing debates the Commission voted to postpone discussions on the resolution until 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iglhrc.org/sites/default/files/213-1.pdf|title=Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Human Rights - United Nations Commission on Human Rights - IGLHRC Campaign Dossier|author=IGLHRC|date=2003|website=IGLHRC|access-date=20 November 2017}}</ref>▼
▲Since its founding in 1945, the [[United Nations]] political bodies had not discussed [[LGBT rights]] (regarding equality regardless of [[sexual orientation]] or [[gender identity]]) until 1994 through the favorable resolution of the ''[[Toonen v. Australia]]'' case by the [[UN Human Rights Committee]].<ref>[http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/undocs/html/vws488.htm
▲In April 2003, [[Brazilian Resolution|Brazil presented a resolution]] prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to the [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights]]. However, in the ensuing debates the Commission voted to postpone discussions on the resolution until 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |
In December 2006, the discussions expanded to include gender identity, when Norway presented a joint statement on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the Commission on Human Rights on behalf of 54 states. This was followed by a joint statement presented at the General Assembly by Argentina on behalf of 66 states in December 2008. The 2008 statement in support of LGBT rights in the General Assembly prompted a statement backed by the [[Arab League]] and the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] in opposition to LGBT rights. Both statements remain open for signature, and neither has been officially adopted by the General Assembly.
On 17 June 2011, [[South Africa]] led a resolution at the UNHRC requesting that the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] (OHCHR) draft a report "documenting discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity" to follow
The report, which came out in December 2011, documented human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including [[hate crime]]s, criminalization of homosexuality, and discrimination. High Commissioner [[Navi Pillay]] called for equitable ages of consent; comprehensive laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation; prompt investigation and recording of hate crime incidents; the repeal of laws criminalizing homosexuality; and other measures to ensure the protection of the rights of LGBT persons.<ref>{{cite web |
In July 2014, the United Nations (as an employer) announced it would extend equal benefits to employees in same-sex unions entered into in jurisdictions where they are legal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-08 |title=UN widens its same-sex marriage policy to include all legally-married staff {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/07/472572 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305080552/https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/07/472572 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=news.un.org |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2014, [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]] and [[Uruguay]] led on a follow
In 2016, the UNHRC passed a resolution to appoint an [[United Nations special rapporteur|Independent Expert]] to find the causes of violence and discrimination against people due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, and discuss with governments about how to protect those people. This long-term OHCHR-based mandate has been seen as the UN's "most overt expression of gay rights as human rights".<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news |last=Morello |first=Carol |title=U.N. council creates watchdog for LGBT rights |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-council-creates-watchdog-for-lgbt-rights/2016/06/30/54976de6-3eee-11e6-80bc-d06711fd2125_story.html |
Also in 2016, the UN Security Council condemned the [[Orlando nightclub shooting]]; this statement marked the first time the U.N. Security Council used language recognizing violence targeting the [[LGBT community]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.voanews.com/a/un-acknowledges-human-rights-violation-against-lgbt-community/3374946.html |title=UN Acknowledges Human Rights Violation Against LGBT Community |publisher=M.voanews.com |date=2016-06-14 |access-date=2016-07-05}}</ref>▼
▲As of 2022, [[Legality of same-sex marriage|same-sex marriage is legally]] performed and recognized in 32 [[Member states of the United Nations|UN member states]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-africa-netherlands-job-cohen-western-europe-e08b053af367028737c9c41c492cc568 | title=The Dutch went first in 2001; who has same-sex marriage now? | website=[[Associated Press]] | date=28 April 2021 }}</ref>
▲Also in 2016, the UN Security Council condemned the [[Orlando nightclub shooting]]; this statement marked the first time the U.N. Security Council used language recognizing violence targeting the [[LGBT community]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2016-06-14 |title=UN Acknowledges Human Rights Violation Against LGBT Community |url=http://m.voanews.com/a/un-acknowledges-human-rights-violation-against-lgbt-community/3374946.html
==Background==
{{World homosexuality laws map|align=right|size=300px}}
In the 1980s, early United Nations reports on the [[HIV/AIDS pandemic]] made some reference to homosexuality.▼
[[Same-sex relationship]]s are currently illegal in 69 countries and punishable by death in eight.<ref name="reuters-art">{{cite web|title=State-sponsored Homophobia |url=http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2010.pdf |publisher=The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association |date=May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122235101/http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2010.pdf |archive-date=2010-11-22 }}</ref>▼
In its 1994 decision in ''[[Toonen v. Australia]]'', the UN Human Rights Committee—which is responsible for the [[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] (ICCPR)—declared that laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations between adults are in violation of international human rights law.<ref name="ai-usa">{{cite press release |title=United Nations: General assembly to address sexual orientation and gender identity - Statement affirms promise of Universal Declaration of Human Rights |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |date=12 December 2008 |url=
▲In the 1980s, early United Nations reports on the [[HIV/AIDS pandemic]] made some reference to homosexuality.
In September 1995, sexual orientation became a topic of debate in the negotiations on the Draft of the 1995 [[Beijing Platform for Action]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women's Sexual Autonomy Universality, Sexual Rights, and Sexual Orientation at |url=https://cws.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cws/article/viewFile/12095/11178 |access-date=2021-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol 16, No 3 (1996) |url=https://cws.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cws/issue/view/538/showToc |access-date=2021-06-17 |website=cws.journals.yorku.ca |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SexPolitics - Front Lines |url=http://www.sxpolitics.org/frontlines/book/index.php |access-date=2021-12-07 |website=www.sxpolitics.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Girard |first=Françoise |title=Negotiating Sexual Rights and Sexual Orientation at the UN |url=http://www.sxpolitics.org/frontlines/book/pdf/capitulo9_united_nations.pdf
▲In its 1994 decision in ''[[Toonen v. Australia]]'', the UN Human Rights Committee—which is responsible for the [[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] (ICCPR)—declared that laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations between adults are in violation of international human rights law.<ref name="ai-usa">{{cite press release |title=United Nations: General assembly to address sexual orientation and gender identity - Statement affirms promise of Universal Declaration of Human Rights |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |date=12 December 2008 |url=http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGIOR410452008 |access-date=20 March 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
In 2003, [[Brazilian Resolution|Brazil tabled a Resolution]] at the [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights|UN Commission on Human Rights]], stressing that human rights apply to all human beings regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution was indefinitely deferred (the Commission itself ceased in 2006 when the UN replaced it with the Human Rights Council). Since 2008, the 34 member countries of the [[Organization of American States]] have unanimously approved a series of resolutions affirming that human rights protections extend to sexual orientation and gender identity.<ref name="ai-usa" /> Since
▲In September 1995, sexual orientation became a topic of debate in the negotiations on the Draft of the 1995 [[Beijing Platform for Action]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women's Sexual Autonomy Universality, Sexual Rights, and Sexual Orientation at |url=https://cws.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cws/article/viewFile/12095/11178 |access-date=2021-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol 16, No 3 (1996) |url=https://cws.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cws/issue/view/538/showToc |access-date=2021-06-17 |website=cws.journals.yorku.ca |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SexPolitics - Front Lines |url=http://www.sxpolitics.org/frontlines/book/index.php |access-date=2021-12-07 |website=www.sxpolitics.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Girard |first=Françoise |title=Negotiating Sexual Rights and Sexual Orientation at the UN |url=http://www.sxpolitics.org/frontlines/book/pdf/capitulo9_united_nations.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2021-12-07}}</ref> at the 4th [[World Conference on Women, 1995|World Conference on Women]]. While the proposed language on "sexual orientation" was eventually dropped from the text, it was the first time governments took a public and explicit stance for or against the inclusion and recognition of sexual orientation as part of women's right to control their sexuality. At this conference, [[Beverley Palesa Ditsie]] became the first openly lesbian person to address the United Nations regarding LGBT issues, calling for States to adopt resolutions that recognized sexual diversity.
▲{{as of|2010}}, [[
▲In 2003, [[Brazilian Resolution|Brazil tabled a Resolution]] at the [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights|UN Commission on Human Rights]], stressing that human rights apply to all human beings regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution was indefinitely deferred (the Commission itself ceased in 2006 when the UN replaced it with the Human Rights Council). Since 2008, the 34 member countries of the [[Organization of American States]] have unanimously approved a series of resolutions affirming that human rights protections extend to sexual orientation and gender identity.<ref name="ai-usa" /> Since 2000, the UN General Assembly has included a reference to sexual orientation in its biennial resolutions on [[Extrajudicial executions|extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions]], as did the former Commission on Human Rights.<ref name=":0" /> The latter had also addressed the use of the [[Capital punishment|death penalty]] for sexual relations between consenting adults in its annual resolutions on the death penalty between 2002 and 2005.<ref name=":0" />
In recent years, the General Assembly resolution on executions also covered [[gender identity]] as a ground for protection.<ref name=":0" />
== Joint statements ==
A series of joint statements on sexual orientation and gender identity by Member States at the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council between 2006 and 2011 provides evidence of increasing support for the issues among UN Member States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arc-international.net/global-advocacy/sogi-statements/|title=SOGI Joint Statements}}</ref>
Following meetings between international advocacy leader [[Louis-Georges Tin]] and French Minister of Human Rights and Foreign Affairs [[Rama Yade]] in early 2008, Yade announced that she would appeal at the UN for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality; the appeal was quickly taken up as an international concern.<ref name="prai">{{cite press release |title=UN: General Assembly statement affirms rights for all |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |date=12 December 2008 |url=https://www.amnesty.org/es/documents/ior40/024/2008/es/ |access-date=20 March 2009}}</ref> Co-sponsored by France (which then held the rotating presidency of the EU) and the Netherlands on behalf of the EU, the declaration had been intended as a resolution; it was decided to use the format of a declaration of a limited group of states because there was not enough support for the adoption of an official resolution by the General Assembly as a whole. The declaration was read out into the General Assembly Record by Ambassador [[Jorge Argüello]] of [[Argentina]] on 18 December 2008—the first declaration concerning gay rights read in the General Assembly.<ref name="nyt-art">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/19nations.html |title=In a First, Gay Rights Are Pressed at the U.N. |work=[[New York Times]] |last=MacFarquhar |first=Neil |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=20 December 2008}}</ref><ref name="ARGARG">{{cite web|url=https://
===Support===
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====Signatories====
96 member-states of the United Nations have sponsored the declaration in support of LGBTQ+ rights in the General Assembly, in the UNHRC, or in both. Sponsoring nations are listed below.<ref name=prai/><ref name="Geneva.usmission.gov">{{cite web|url=http://geneva.usmission.gov/2011/03/22/lgbtrights/ |title=Over 80 Nations Support Statement at Human Rights Council on LGBT Rights » US Mission Geneva |date=22 March 2011 |publisher=Geneva.usmission.gov |access-date=2016-07-05}}</ref><ref name="ynet.co.il">[http://www.ynet.co.il/english/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-3688718,00.html In turnaround, US signs UN gay rights document]. Reuters. March 18, 2009</ref><ref name="m.hrw.org">{{Cite web |url=http://m.hrw.org/news/2014/09/26/un-landmark-resolution-anti-gay-bias |title=UN: Landmark Resolution on Anti-Gay Bias | Human Rights Watch |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140927031717/http://m.hrw.org/news/2014/09/26/un-landmark-resolution-anti-gay-bias |archive-date=27 September 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
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===Opposition===
Among the first to voice opposition for the declaration, in early December 2008, was the [[Holy See]]'s Permanent Observer at the United Nations, Archbishop [[Celestino Migliore]], who claimed that the declaration could be used to force countries to recognise same-sex marriage: "If adopted, they would create new and implacable discriminations. For example, states which do not recognise same-sex unions as 'matrimony' will be pilloried and made an object of pressure."<ref name=migliore>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/1202/breaking62.htm |title=Vatican criticised for opposing gay decriminalisation |date=2 December 2008 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=20 March 2009}}</ref> A key part of the Vatican opposition to the draft Declaration relates to the concept of gender identity. In a statement on 19 December,<ref name="vapr">{{cite press release |title=Statement of the Holy See Delegation at the 63rd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Declaration on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity |publisher=[[Holy See]] |date=18 December 2008 |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/2008/documents/rc_seg-st_20081218_statement-sexual-orientation_en.html |access-date=20 March 2009}}</ref> Archbishop Migliore noted: "In particular, the categories 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity', used in the text, find no recognition or clear and agreed definition in international law. If they had to be taken into consideration in the proclaiming and implementing of fundamental rights, these would create serious uncertainty in the law as well as undermine the ability of States to enter into and enforce new and existing human rights conventions and standards."<ref name="vapr" /> However, Archbishop Migliore also made clear the Vatican's opposition to legal discrimination against homosexuals: "The Holy See continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards homosexual persons should be avoided and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them."<ref name="vapr" /> In an editorial response, the [[Italy|Italian]] newspaper
The [[United States]], citing conflicts with US law,<ref name="reuters-art" /> originally opposed the adoption of the nonbinding measure, as did [[Russia]], China, the Holy See, and members of the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC).<ref name="nyt-art" /> The [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]] changed the US position to support the measure in February 2009.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sue |last=Pleming |date=18 March 2009 |title=In turnaround, U.S. signs U.N. gay rights document |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE52H5CK20090318 |access-date=20 March 2009}}</ref> An alternative statement, supported by 57 member nations, was read by the [[Syria]]n representative in the General Assembly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tjsl.edu/slomansonb/10.3_GLBT_UN.pdf |title=Microsoft Word - 10.3_GLBT_UN.doc |access-date=2016-07-05}}</ref> The OIC-led statement rejected the idea that [[biology and sexual orientation|sexual orientation is a matter of genetic coding]] and claimed that the declaration threatened to undermine the international framework of human rights,<ref name="nyt-art" /> adding that the statement "delves into matters which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states" and could lead to "the social normalization, and possibly the legitimization, of many deplorable acts including paedophilia".<ref name="reuters-art" />
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====Signatories====
41 member-states of the United Nations have sponsored the declaration in
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An informal group of [[Member states of the United Nations|United Nations Member States]] was established in 2008 to focus on LGBTI rights intergovernmentally—by (most notably) ongoing collaboration between Global South and Global North state diplomats. {{as of|2022}}, the UN LGBTI Core Group is co-chaired by Argentina and the Netherlands and includes Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, the European Union (as an observer), as well as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN executive agency) and two non-governmental organizations: [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[OutRight Action International]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Core Group History |url=https://unlgbticoregroup.org/history/ |website=unlgbticoregroup.org |access-date=21 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.passblue.com/2015/12/08/keeping-lgbt-rights-active-on-the-un-agenda/|title=Keeping LGBT Rights Active on the UN Agenda {{!}} PassBlue|website=www.passblue.com|date=8 December 2015|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-19}}</ref>
Unclassified discussions open to the public at [[Headquarters of the United Nations|UNHQ]] occur once or twice a year and an [[RSVP]] is regularly announced on [[Twitter]]. An event held on 10 December 2015 looked at ''The Economic Cost of LGBT Exclusion'' and offered fiscal effects from exclusionary practices from the [[World Bank]] who estimated it to be 5% of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] and included the companion video released by the UN's [[United Nations Free & Equal|Free & Equal]] campaign.
During the 2018 UN LGBTI Core Group meeting, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights [[Michelle Bachelet]] said:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/09/27/un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-lgbt-india/|title=UN chief praises India for axing anti-gay law, vows to 'stand up for' LGBT+ rights|work=PinkNews|date=27 September 2018|last=Duffy|first=Nick}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1020592|title=Violence against the LGBTI community: UN focuses on 'need to challenge hatred'|work=UN News|date=27 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lgbti-time-to-break-the-taboo-of-immorality-embrace-the-difference/world/news/1361510.html|title=LGBTI: Time to break the taboo of immortality, embrace the difference|work=United News of India|date=26 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=
==UN Human Rights Council==
A resolution submitted by South Africa requesting a study on discrimination and sexual orientation (A/HRC/RES/17/19) passed, 23 to 19, with 3 abstentions, in the UNHRC on 17 June 2011.<ref name="UN Human Rights Council">{{cite news |url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11167&LangID=E |title=UN Human Rights Council |date=17 June 2011 |access-date=17 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624081557/http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11167&LangID=E |archive-date=24 June 2011 }}</ref> This is the first time that any United Nations body approved a resolution affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpjOuYqR_9HwpkxaT7bS6f0x_glA?docId=3e1fdafae97c40f393a3d245c0df9fe4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620095650/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpjOuYqR_9HwpkxaT7bS6f0x_glA?docId=3e1fdafae97c40f393a3d245c0df9fe4|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2011|title=UN group backs gay rights for the 1st time ever|author=Jordans, Frank|date=2011-05-17|access-date=2011-05-17|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The resolution called on the office of [[United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]] [[Navi Pillay]] to draw up the first UN report "documenting discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity". The votes on this resolution were as follows:
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The High Commissioner's report led to a panel discussion by the Human Rights Council in March 2012. The divided nature of the UN (and the Council in particular) was again evident. Former UN Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]] described violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation as "a monumental tragedy for those affected and a stain on the collective consciousness" (para. 3), and many others voiced similar concerns. However, "A number of states had signaled their opposition to any discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity by leaving the Council chamber at the start of the meeting", and "A number voiced their opposition on cultural or religious grounds, or argued that sexual orientation and gender identity were new concepts that lay outside the framework of international human rights law" (para. 11)<ref>{{cite web|last=Human Rights Council|title=Human Rights Council panel on ending violence and discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity|url=http://arc-international.net/global-advocacy/human-rights-council/hrc19/panel-summary|access-date=21 January 2013}}</ref>
The UNHRC adopted a second resolution related to sexual orientation and gender identity on 26 September 2014 (A/HRC/RES/27/32).<ref name="msnbc.com">{{cite web|author=Adam Howard |url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/un-passes-resolution-behalf-lgbt-citizens-around-the-globe |title=UN passes resolution on behalf of LGBT citizens around the globe |publisher=MSNBC |date=2014-05-01 |access-date=2016-07-05}}</ref><ref name="rappler.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/70315-philippines-unhrc-lgbt-resolution |title=PH votes yes to landmark UN reso on gay rights |publisher=Rappler.com |date=2014-09-27 |access-date=2016-07-05}}</ref> Among other things, the resolution calls a report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on best practices for combating discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It passed by a vote of 25 to 14, marking the first time the UNHRC adopted a resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity with the majority of its members.<ref name="msnbc.com"/><ref name="rappler.com"/> The second resolution voting was as follows:
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'''[[United Nations geoscheme for Africa|African States]] (13)'''
*{{flag|Algeria}} — No
*{{flag|Benin}} — Absent
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*{{flag|Romania}} — Yes
*{{flag|Russia}} — No
*{{flag|North Macedonia}} — Yes
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'''[[United Nations geoscheme for the Americas|Latin American & Caribbean States]] (8)'''
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===Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity===
{{main|United Nations Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity}}
In 2016, the UNHRC passed a resolution to appoint an [[United Nations special rapporteur|independent expert]] to find the causes of violence and discrimination against people due to their gender identity and sexual orientation, and discuss with governments about how to protect those people.<ref>{{UN document|docid=A/HRC/RES/32/2|body=Human Rights Council|type=Resolution|session=32|resolution_number=32/2|title=Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 30 June 2016—32/2: Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity|date=15 July 2016|access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost1"/> Accordingly, [[Vitit Muntarbhorn]], a Thai international law professor experienced in UN fieldwork, was the first UN Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (IE-SOGI). [[Victor Madrigal-Borloz]], a Costa Rican jurist experienced in human rights internationally, started 1 January 2018 as the second and current mandate-holder.<ref>{{UN doc |body=Human Rights Council |session=Organizational Session for 12th Cycle |type=Agenda item |title=President's letter proposing candidate for vacancy of the mandate of Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity |date=20 November 2017 |meeting=OS12 |speakername=Joaquin Alexander Maza Martelli, President |language=English |access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref> On 12 July 2019, a vote to renew this position for another three years was passed by the Human Rights Council.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrc.org/blog/u.n.-human-rights-council-votes-in-favor-of-LGBTQ-independent-expert/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829004228/https://www.hrc.org/blog/u.n.-human-rights-council-votes-in-favor-of-LGBTQ-independent-expert|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2019|title=U.N. Human Rights Council Votes in Favor of Independent Expert|last=Campaign|first=Human Rights|website=Human Rights Campaign|language=en|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
In March 2019, the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] adopted without a vote a resolution brought by [[South Africa]] on the rights of [[intersex]] people that "expresses concerns about existing discriminatory regulations, rules and practices that require some women and girl athletes to medically reduce their blood testosterone levels by undergoing unnecessary, humiliating and harmful medical procedures or hormone therapy in order to participate in women's events in competitive sports". The resolution also requests the [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights|Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights]] to prepare a report on the intersections between race and gender discrimination in sports. It recognises the multiple and [[Intersectionality|intersecting forms of discrimination]] that women and girls face in sports settings, because of their race and sex, and the right to bodily integrity and autonomy, among other things.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ilga.org/first-un-resolution-rights-intersex-persons-women-sport|title=FIRST UN RESOLUTION ON THE RIGHTS OF INTERSEX PERSONS: UN CALLS TO END DISCRIMINATION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS, INCLUDING WOMEN BORN WITH VARIATIONS OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS|work=ILGA|date=22 March 2019}}</ref>▼
In April 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted resolution with a broader scope, titled "Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons."<ref name="AutoIY-36">{{Cite web |date=4 April 2024 |title=Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons |url=https://undocs.org/A/HRC/55/L.9 |access-date=12 April 2024 |website=Extranet, Human Rights Council}}</ref> The resolution was led by Australia, Chile, Finland and South Africa. It was adopted by a vote of 24 in favor, none opposed and 23 abstaining.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2024 |title=Result of the Vote: A/HRC/55/L.9 |url=https://hrcmeetings.ohchr.org/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/55/DL_Resolution/L.9.pdf |access-date=12 April 2024 |website=Extranet, Human Rights Council}}</ref> The resolution "Express[es] grave concern about the violence and harmful practices that persons with innate variations in sex characteristics, including children, face in all regions of the world, including medically unnecessary or deferrable interventions, which may be irreversible, with respect to sex characteristics, performed without the full, free and informed consent of the person, and in the case of children without complying with the provisions of the [[Convention on the Rights of the Child]]."<REF name="AutoIY-36"/> It also requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report and decides to convene a panel discussion in September 2025.<REF name="AutoIY-36"/>
▲===Intersex rights resolution===
▲{{more|Intersex human rights}}
▲In March 2019, the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] adopted without a vote a resolution brought by [[South Africa]] on the rights of [[intersex]] people that "expresses concerns about existing discriminatory regulations, rules and practices that require some women and girl athletes to medically reduce their blood testosterone levels by undergoing unnecessary, humiliating and harmful medical procedures or hormone therapy in order to participate in women's events in competitive sports". The resolution also requests the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to prepare a report on the intersections between race and gender discrimination in sports. It recognises the multiple and [[Intersectionality|intersecting forms of discrimination]] that women and girls face in sports settings, because of their race and sex, and the right to bodily integrity and autonomy, among other things.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ilga.org/first-un-resolution-rights-intersex-persons-women-sport|title=FIRST UN RESOLUTION ON THE RIGHTS OF INTERSEX PERSONS: UN CALLS TO END DISCRIMINATION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS, INCLUDING WOMEN BORN WITH VARIATIONS OF SEX CHARACTERISTICS|work=ILGA|date=22 March 2019}}</ref>
==UN Secretary-General and Secretariat==
On 25 September 2018, United Nations Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] expressed support for a move towards greater respect for LGBTQ+ rights. In a pre-recorded speech, he addressed members of the UN LGBTI Core Group. He also praised [[LGBT rights in India|India]] for legalising gay sex after the repeal of [[Section 377]]. He told attendees: "The United Nations stands up for the rights of the LGBTI community. Many of its members are imprisoned, abused and even killed simply for who they are or whom they love." He added: "Progress has been made in recent years, including this month with the decision by the Supreme Court of India. But so long as people face criminalisation, bias and violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, we must redouble our efforts to end these violations. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]], let me underscore that the United Nations will never give up the fight until everyone can live free and equal in dignity and rights."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2018-09-25/secretary-generals-video-message-ministerial-level-meeting-un-lgbti|title=Secretary-General's video message to the Ministerial Level meeting of the UN LGBTI Core Group|work=United Nations Secretary-General|date=25 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://
===Treatment of UN staff===
In July 2014, it was announced that the United Nations (as an employer) would extend equal benefits to its [[civil service|employees]] who have entered into same-sex unions in [[jurisdiction]]s where they are legal. Under the new policy, staff who have married a same-sex spouse in a jurisdiction will receive the same benefits and recognition as those in heterosexual marriages, regardless of whether same-sex marriage is legal in their country of citizenship. Former UN Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]] supported a move towards greater respect for gay rights. He stated: "Human rights are at the core of the mission of the United Nations. I am proud to stand for greater equality for all staff, and I call on all members of our UN family to unite in rejecting homophobia as discrimination that can never be tolerated at our workplace."<ref>
== UN agencies and entities ==
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{{Wikisource|UN declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity}}
{{Wikinews|US supports UN gay rights declaration}}
* [https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/lgbtqi-plus United Nations: LGBTQI+]
* [http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/BornFreeAndEqualLowRes.pdf BORN FREE AND EQUAL - Sexual orientation and gender identity in international human rights law, 2012] (OHCHR)
* {{cite news |title= Droit à l'homosexualité : un monde de différences ? |author=Xavier Colin |url= http://www.rts.ch/video/info/journal-12h45/#/video/emissions/geopolitis/4597012-droit-a-l-homosexualite-un-monde-de-differences.html |format=video|newspaper= Geopolitis |publisher=[[Radio télévision suisse]]|location=Geneva, Switzerland|ref=geopolitis|id=« La planète gay » « Homosexualité et évolution »|date=3 February 2013 |access-date=5 February 2013 |language=fr}} Quel est l'état des droits des homosexuels dans le monde ? Quelles sont les tendances régionales vers plus – ou moins – de respect des homosexuels ? Geopolitis décrypte la géopolitique du droit à l'homosexualité. À partir du minutage 07:35, interview de John Fisher, codirecteur de l'ONG ''ARC International'', une organisation qui cherche à promouvoir et défendre le droit des homosexuels dans le monde.
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