Friday, May 17, 2013

UN's Message Against Homophobia



In recent years, many States have made a determined effort to strengthen human rights protection for LGBT people. An array of new laws has been adopted, including laws banning discrimination, penalizing homophobic hate crimes, granting recognition of same-sex relationships and marriage, and making it easier for transgender individuals to obtain official documents that reflect their preferred gender. 

But 76 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex relationships and LGBT people everywhere continue to suffer violent attacks and discriminatory treatment. In addition, hate crimes against LGBT people are rising around the world.

For that reason the United Nations (UN) urges governments to do much more to eliminate discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The UN's message is clear: LGBT Rights are Human Rights. 

To protect LGBT people from violence and discrimination does not require the creation of a new set of LGBT specific rights, nor it requires the establishment of new international human rights standards. The human rights of LGBT people are well established in international human rights law on the basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

For International Day Against Homophobia 2013, the UN Human Rights Office has made this simple and high-impact video, with individuals from diverse backgrounds who pose questions directly to the viewer to expose the nature of human rights violations suffered by LGBT people around the world. The video includes cameo appearances by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. 




1 comment:

  1. jonathan mason:

    All catching up fantastic if all countries around the world would do the same 

    ReplyDelete