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Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- The present report is the first report of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and its theme is “diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity”. The phenomenon of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is both local and global, requiring strong national and international countermeasures to promote respect for sexual and gender diversity under the umbrella of international human rights law. In recognizing that everyone has some form of sexual orientation and gender identity, there is the regrettable reality that some groups and persons are affected by violence and discrimination, precisely because they are viewed as having a sexual orientation and gender identity that is different from a particular societal norm. This is enmeshed in the political, social, cultural and economic setting of each country, which invites a context-specific analysis and understanding of each scenario. While human rights are inherent to all persons without distinction, the situation facing those groups and persons may vary; it is not necessarily homogeneous.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 41
- Paragraph text
- This is a key area, where the work of the Independent Expert can help to support cooperation to prevent and overcome violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Important work is already being done to counter such violence and discrimination and it can be further strengthened. The joint statement from 12 United Nations entities (see para. 14 above) was a major intersectional and intersectoral breakthrough in terms of inter-agency cooperation, between the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNHCR, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), WHO, the World Bank and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). At the public consultation held by the Independent Expert in January 2017, there was similar advocacy from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the list of cooperating organizations can be expanded.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 17
- Paragraph text
- The entry point for the mandate holder is action against violence and discrimination. This is based on existing international human rights law and its interrelationship with sexual orientation and gender identity; there is no advocacy of new rights for particular groups.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 39
- Paragraph text
- Violence and discrimination often appear not as singular events but as part of a prolonged vicious circle. They are multiple and multiplied — inextricably linked emotionally, psychologically, physically and structurally. They intersect in a variety of ways, and most clearly where the victim is not only attacked or discriminated against for having a different sexual orientation and gender identity but also on grounds of race, ethnic origin, age, gender, or membership of a minority or indigenous community. The person might also be a child, a young girl, an intersex person, a refugee, an internally displaced person, a migrant worker, a person with a disability, and more. This intersectionality involves a conglomeration of incidents, actors, perpetrators, and victims — the latter being revictimized an infinite number of times, possibly in different phases of life. The situation becomes aggravated precisely because of the convoluted nature of the phenomenon, where crimes are replicated against the same victims and where impunity prevails subsequently, from the home to the school, to the community, to the nation State and to the international spectrum. In today’s cyber world and social media, incitement to hatred and violence driven by hate speech relating to sexual orientation and gender identity has an exponential reach, spinning the web of violations in real time and into the future.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- Girls
- Persons on the move
- Youth
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 13
- Paragraph text
- The present section highlights developments in the past few months, particularly in relation to action against violence and discrimination at the international and national levels, the intersectionality between sexual orientation and gender identity and other issues, such as children and youth, and the Independent Expert’s dialogues and support for international and national cooperation. Good practices and gaps are identified in sections V and VI on decriminalization and anti-discrimination, respectively.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Youth
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 45
- Paragraph text
- OHCHR has been instrumental in preparing various reports and studies on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. In particular, the publications Born Free and Equal: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in International Human Rights Law and Living Free and Equal offer very useful information with global coverage. OHCHR supports the human rights treaty bodies, the universal periodic review and the special procedures in their work and helps to mainstream the issue into a cross-cutting United Nations setting. Together with other partners, it helps to organize the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia event. Its field presences around the world assist in disseminating information, collecting information and addressing cases where there are violations, with a view to strengthening human rights protection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Its Free and Equal campaign is a broad information campaign, with publications, films and videos raising the profile of sexual orientation and gender identity from the angle of action against violence and discrimination. Particularly popular are the videos Faces, which captures the myriad contributions by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons to families and communities, The Welcome, which provides a human rights message with a Bollywood touch, complete with music, and The Riddle, which examines the abuses facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons across the globe.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 25
- Paragraph text
- Action against violence and discrimination has been espoused more recently in the 17 globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals, to which all countries are committed, with a framework of 2015-2030 for operationalization. Goal 16, which covers inclusive societies and access to justice, aims to bring about substantial reductions of violence and to promote anti-discrimination measures, on the basis of leaving no one behind. An all-inclusive approach invites effective coverage of all persons whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 55
- Paragraph text
- The present report builds upon the first report submitted by the Independent Expert in April 2017. Recent developments, particularly in regard to development 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, dialogue and cooperation between the Independent Expert and stakeholders, are considered.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 53r
- Paragraph text
- The submission from the human rights Ombudsman of Guatemala called for more explicit integration of sexual orientation and gender identity into the legal framework as well as measures to counter the violence in the country. The extensive violence is much highlighted by non-governmental organization sources. Lack of knowledge of the law and difficult access to justice may also hamper implementation of a State’s anti-discrimination law.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 53n
- Paragraph text
- A non-governmental organization noted that the law on violence against women in Colombia 2008 covers violence against lesbian and bisexual women. There is also intersectionality with conflict and land restitution issues and action against racism. In Latin America, the legalization of civil unions and/or marriage is also a constructive sign of the times; same-sex marriage is legal in a large number of countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay;
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Women
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 28
- Paragraph text
- At this juncture, the report will now turn to various key underpinnings which interrelate closely with violence and discrimination. Two are singled out for special attention and they are presented below. Other underpinnings will be dealt with, incorporating recent inputs from stakeholders, in future reports of the Independent Expert in 2018.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 22
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert has also received submissions from various sources concerning the plight of children and youth in relation to violence and discrimination, such as bullying at home and at school. A variety of issues deserving more attention, ranging from discriminatory sexual consent laws to access to information, conversion therapy, rights of transgender children, rights of intersex children, children of same-sex couples and access to justice have also been raised.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Education
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- LGBTQI+
- Youth
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 59e
- Paragraph text
- The work of human rights defenders and the much needed space for civil society, including non-governmental organizations and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex groups and persons, calls for more effective safeguards from States against incursions and reprisals from those protagonists, whether State or non-State actors, which act inconsistently with international human rights standards. Cooperation with a multiplicity of actors, including the business sector, the medical/scientific sector, religious and faith groups and the media, including social networks, should be fostered on the basis of international human rights law;
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 59d
- Paragraph text
- States should explore more cooperation with independent national human rights institutions, such as national human rights commissions and ombudspersons, to interlink between international norms and national settings. Those institutions should be supported as part of the checks and balances to prevent and overcome abuses of power and human rights violations, as well to access justice and remedies. They should be paralleled by regional systems and initiatives to help to advance protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity;
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 47
- Paragraph text
- In Kenya, civil society organizations have made a number of recommendations to the authorities, inter alia: the immediate repeal of sections 162(a) and (c) and 165 of the penal code; the introduction of legislation to criminalize hate speech and incitement to violence on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, and expression; An immediate ban on forced anal examinations; and prosecution to the full extent of the law of all persons suspected of committing acts of violence, including incitement to violence, on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- It should be noted that in some countries where these negative laws exist, they are not applied or not much applied in practice. While this is a stepping stone to mitigation of the situation, the mere existence of the laws still gives rise to bias and prejudices, feeding into extortion, persecution, multiple and intersectional phobia, and other forms of violence and discrimination, and violates international human rights norms and standards. The call to reform such negative laws must therefore be vigorous.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 25b
- Paragraph text
- [The Independent Expert underlines the key role of civil society and human rights defenders and the need for more effective action to counter threats and reprisals against them. Of note is a submission to the Human Rights Council by a number of non-governmental organizations earlier this year, in which they called upon States, inter alia:] To ensure the protection of human rights defenders working on issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, against any violence, threat, retaliation, de facto or de jure discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action perpetrated by the State or non-State actors, in response to their human rights activities;
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 18
- Paragraph text
- The inter-American system has made many contributions to action against violence and discrimination. In addition to its important range of human rights-related declarations and conventions, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Court and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the inter-American system has appointed a regional rapporteur to cover the issue of LGBTI persons specifically. Resolution 275 of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, entitled “Protection against violence and other human rights violations against persons on the basis of their real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity”, resonates with the message of non-violence and equality.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 6
- Paragraph text
- The Independent Expert follows and responds closely to the mandate established by resolution 32/2. The post of the Independent Expert is pro bono. Key elements emanating from the mandate can be summarized under five main areas as follows: implementation of international instruments, with identification of good practices and gaps; awareness of the violence and discrimination issue, and linkage with root causes; engagement, consultation and cooperation with States and other stakeholders; identifying multiple, intersecting and aggravated forms of violence and discrimination; and support for international cooperation and related services to assist national efforts. The Independent Expert offered an analysis of those elements in his first report and in the present report will update them with recent developments.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Embrace diversity and energize humanity 2017, para. 2
- Paragraph text
- It should be recalled that everyone has some form of sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual orientation denotes a person’s physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction towards others, while gender identity concerns a person’s self-perceived identity, which may be different from the sex assigned at birth, as well as the expression of gender identity. The two notions should not be conflated. However, it is unconscionable that persons with an actual or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity different from a particular social norm are targeted for violence and discrimination in many parts of the world. Killings, rape, mutilation, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment as well as arbitrary detention, abduction, harassment, physical and mental assaults such as lashings and forced surgical interventions, bullying from a young age, pressures leading to suicide, and discriminatory action, aggravated by incitement to hatred, in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity are pervasive in numerous settings.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 66i
- Paragraph text
- The role of the United Nations, including the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, is pivotal in order to raise the issue of violence and discrimination and to address it through comprehensive and holistic measures, with due regard for the recommendations of the Independent Expert as an impetus for follow-up action. United Nations human rights presences are important and need to be bolstered in countries and regions where there are major gaps in human rights protection; this is certainly also the case in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. This should be complemented by the catalytic role of United Nations country teams and inter-agency cooperation to integrate sexual orientation and gender identity issues into programming and practices on the basis of no “protection deficit” and no “protection vacuum”.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 66g
- Paragraph text
- More cooperation with independent and pluralistic national human rights institutions, such as national human rights commissions and ombudspersons, should be undertaken to provide a link between international norms and national settings. These institutions should be supported, as part of the checks and balances to prevent and overcome abuses of power and human rights violations and also to promote access to justice and remedies. They should be paralleled by strong regional systems and initiatives to help advance protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- The report allows the approach and methodology of the Independent Expert to be gauged. There are key reflections responding to the mandate, particularly regarding (a) the panorama of the situation, including the implementation of international instruments, with identification of good practices and gaps; (b) awareness of the violence and discrimination issue, and linkage with root causes; (c) dialogue, consultation and cooperation with States and other stakeholders; (d) the identification of multiple, intersecting and aggravated forms of violence and discrimination; and (e) support for international cooperation and related services to assist national efforts.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 63
- Paragraph text
- The present report endeavours to set the scene for more monitoring and advocacy to protect people from violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is also important to comprehend the multi-layered nature of the violence and discrimination — it starts at home, extends into the educational spectrum, influences the community environment, and continues into the State setting and beyond. It has a longitudinal trajectory, with intergenerational implications. It is also concurrently personal/personalized, family-based, community-influenced and systemic, and at times is linked with institutional violence and discrimination. To overcome these impediments, it is necessary to “start young” with promoting mutual respect and tolerance.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Families
- Youth
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 54
- Paragraph text
- There is thus a need to move towards decriminalization in respect of these laws, which regrettably help to fuel the violence and discrimination.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 49
- Paragraph text
- The role of civil society and non-governmental organizations and of concerned communities and individuals is critical for action against violence and discrimination. Their dedicated efforts and inputs were instrumental in helping to set up this mandate, and there is a wealth of information emanating from their work which inspires the work of the Independent Expert. They are part and parcel of much-needed cooperation at both the national and international levels and act as human rights defenders in the most sensitive situations. Assistance and protection for their work are at the heart of this mandate, which is impelled by the quest for an all-inclusive approach that is respectful of public participation in countering violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, worldwide. Indeed, this is living democracy in regard to sexual and gender diversity.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Gender
- Violence
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 44
- Paragraph text
- The work of UNICEF is guided particularly by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Its programming on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex issues, and its link with children and youth, is part of its equity strategy to enable all children to develop and realize their potential without discrimination. UNICEF is increasingly looking at child protection through the lens of action against violence and discrimination, inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals. Interestingly, in Goal 16, the target is to eliminate violence against children totally in the next 15 years; this also implies a relationship with sexual orientation and gender identity, in order to leave no children behind.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- LGBTQI+
- Women
- Youth
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 38
- Paragraph text
- Constructive dialogue is an imperative for the mandate, and the Independent Expert has endeavoured to initiate this from the very first days of his work. He recognizes that it is essential to build bridges — not only to those who already have plenty of awareness, understanding and knowledge but also to those who have less. In the quest for amicable discourse, there is the understanding that there can be no justification for crimes, such as killings, rapes and torture, nor for discrimination. The opportunity for dialogue, consultation and cooperation was exemplified by the public consultation held in Geneva in January 2017. The consultation was open to States, United Nations agencies and other interested stakeholders. This consultation was planned to help the Independent Expert to identify priority work areas in carrying out his mandate and to develop effective strategies to accomplish them. Major issues discussed included the situation of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and the various underpinnings referred to above and below. At the end of the consultation, the Independent Expert summarized key inputs from the various participants who advised him on his role and work in fulfilling the mandate as follows: • Analytical: The work of the mandate holder is based on independent and objective analysis of the situation drawn from a variety of information sources. • Pedagogical: The work has an educational role in raising awareness among the public and educating the public about the situation. • Intersectoral: The work invites the Independent Expert to cross-link with a variety of actors and stakeholders — governmental, non-governmental and intergovernmental. • Focal/vocal: The work is a focal point for those affected by transgressions, and it also helps them to vocalize their concerns, not simply as victims but also as survivors and experts on the subject. • Empirical: The work is an opportunity for encouraging and generating information and data, possibly disaggregated, to support a balanced evidence-based approach to address the issue.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 36
- Paragraph text
- What are some of the root causes? While more empirical research is needed on the issue, behind the violence and discrimination there is an environment of negative elements: multiple factors, with longitudinal and intergenerational implications. From the health angle, the message from the following citation rings true: Violence against people from key populations has been shown to be a risk factor for HIV acquisition. Such violence is common. It can take various forms — physical, sexual or psychological. Violence is fuelled by the imbalance in the power dynamics of gender and by prejudice and discrimination against persons perceived to depart from conventional gender and sexuality norms and identities. Also, multiple structural factors influence vulnerability to violence, including discriminatory or harsh laws and policing practices and cultural and social norms that legitimate stigma and discrimination. Homophobic violence, too, is increasing in some countries, as more policies and laws have banned same-sex activity and made it a criminal offence. This is likely to increase HIV risk.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Health
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Diversity in humanity, humanity in diversity 2017, para. 35
- Paragraph text
- How aware is the general population of the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity and the interface with violence and discrimination? The reality is often embedded in lack of awareness, misunderstanding, misconceptions and/or ambivalence. Violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity often starts being experienced in childhood, at home and in school, for example through bullying. The lack of awareness/knowledge might be compounded by stereotyping, homophobia and transphobia, virulent from the bottom to the top of the social, cultural and political ladder, tailed by the immediacy of social networks. Even among those who are educated, there is at times a cloistered mindset that wrongly looks upon lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as being deviants and being mentally ill. Hate crimes, such as killings, rapes, incitement to violence, and cruel treatment on account of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity, might be paralleled by prejudice, intolerance and bigotry from the personal level to the systemic level.
- Body
- Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Gender
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- LGBTQI+
- Year
- 2017
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph