A/72/172
Report of the Independent Expert on protection against
violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and
gender identity*
Summary
The theme of the present report is “Embrace diversity and energize humanity”.
Key developments in 2017 are noted, particularly in regard to the progression of
human rights law and practice at the international and national levels;
intersectionality between sexual orientation and gender identity and other issues
concerning violence and discrimination; and dialogue and cooperation between the
Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity and stakeholders.
Two of the various underpinnings introduced in the Independent Expert ’s first
report (A/HRC/35/36) are singled out for particular attention to help prevent and
overcome violence and discrimination: namely, decriminalization of consensual
same-sex relations and gender identity and expression, and effective
anti-discrimination measures. The report includes an overview of country situations,
as highlighted by various actors through submissions sent to the Independent Expert.
The report calls for reform of the laws, policies and practices wh ich criminalize
consensual same-sex relations, as well as those relating to gender identity and its
expression. Pending repeal of discriminatory laws, the preferred policy is to desist
from applying such negative laws and policies. Effective anti -discrimination
measures are also critically needed; they vary from laws to policies and other action
in a comprehensive and human rights-responsive setting.
Contents
Page
I.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
II.
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
III.
Mandate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
IV.
Key developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
A.
Progression of human rights law and practice at the international and national levels . . .
6
B.
Intersectionality between sexual orientation and gender identity and other issues
concerning violence and discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Dialogue and cooperation between the Independent Expert and stakeholders . . . . . . . . . .
9
Decriminalization of consensual same-sex relations and gender identity (covering also
gender expression) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
VI.
Effective anti-discrimination measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
VII.
Conclusions and recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
C.
V.
* The Independent Expert wishes to thank the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights for its assistance with the report as well as all those in Bangkok who kindly
provided technical assistance.
2/23
17-12222