The United Nations will appoint an independent expert to report on violence and discrimination faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
The United Nation’s Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva, passed the resolution after a marathon four hour debate.
Facing strong opposition from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries the motion was passed with 23 nations voicing their support, 18 objecting and six choosing to abstain from voting. China and Russia were among the nations voting against the proposal.
The expert appointed to the position will have a three year mandate to report on the issue of violence and discrimination against LGBT people around the world.
Prior to the motion being passed additional wording was added noting that violence and discrimination against LGBT people may occur for cultural, historical and religious reasons.
The proposal was put forward by a conglomerate of Latin American countries including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay. Latin American countries have some of the most advanced legal protections for gay and transgender people.
While the proposal was put forward prior to the tragic shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida – many commentators said that the incident has motivated nations who were ‘on the fence’ to be more proactive.
Jessica Stern, Executive Director at Outright Action International, a human rights group based in the USA said people could no longer ignore the issue after the shooting in Orlando which saw 49 people killed.
“Orlando became part of the conversation around the resolution,” Stern said, “I think it caused some governments on the fence to stop and take their decision much more seriously. You can’t keep your head in the sand after what happened at the Pulse nightclub.”
All 193 nations which are members of the United Nations will be expected to cooperate with the LGBT expert.
OIP Staff
