New attempts to stop the UN’s LGBT expert

The United Nation’s special expert charged with the task of investigating human rights abuses of LGBT people around the globe will face a new challenge to his appointment on Monday.

In September The United Nation’s  Human Rights Council appointed international law professor Vitit Muntarbhorn of Thailand to investigate abuses against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people around the globe.

Last month a coalition of African Nations attempted to bring the investigators work to a halt, but the bid was unsuccessful. Now a new attempt in being made to cancel the appointment.

On Thursday the African nation Burkina Faso circulated a letter on behalf of a coalition of African nations calling for more discussion on the appointment. The issue will be voted on again on Monday.

Seventy three countries still have laws that make homosexuality illegal, they represent almost 40% of the United Nations membership. Thirty three of the countries that outlaw homosexuality are in Africa.

LGBT rights remain a sensitive issue at the United Nations. Last week Russia reportedly stopped the UN’s Security Council from formally recognising out going Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s work in promoting human rights for people of diverse sexuality and gender.

OIP Staff