The UN’s LGBT expert has advocated for a global partnership to end violence
He advocated for unity in his keynote speech at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) in Bangkok.
Vitit Muntarbhorn said: “resolute action is required to stop the violence and discrimination affecting not only LGBT communities but also the human rights defenders working with them…
“this goes hand in hand with the broader aspirations of human rights, freedoms, democracy, and peaceful and inclusive societies”.
This speech follows his position nearly being scrapped in November after its introduction in June.
He has five “pivotal” steps to end discrimination and violence the LGBT community combat every day.
These are decriminalisation, depathologisation, recognition of gender identity, cultural inclusion and emphathisation.”
He said: “Eradicating all criminal laws affecting LGBT people is essential for the community to no longer be seen as suffering from a disorder…
“Providing the right for all people to have their gender identity recognised in official documents is a milestone much needed to improve the global situation”.
He added that today’s children need to grow up able to empathise with all people of all sexual identities.
Mr Muntarbhorn advocated that this will accelerate the UN’s 2030 global development agenda to “leave no one behind”.
In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights centres around non-discriminatory values.
