UN Human Rights Council passes resolution condemning LGBT violence

UN Human Rights Council passes resolution condemning LGBT violence

THE United Nations’ Human Rights Council recently voted in favour of approving a historic resolution condemning discrimination and violent acts based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The resolution was passed with 25-14 votes over the weekend despite opponents – including Russia, Pakistan, Kenya and Saudi Arabia – attempting to amend the text and block it.

Their amendments, which were voted down, would’ve removed reference to sexual orientation and gender identity, and made the resolution applicable only to nations who actively support sexual diversity and rights.

Meanwhile, eight countries, including China and India, abstained from voting on the resolution.

According to Pink News, the landmark resolution highlights concern “at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity” while also welcoming “positive developments at the international, regional and national levels in the fight against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity”.

According to BuzzFeed, the resolution also calls for a report from the UN High Commissioner on combating human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

International human rights advocates view the resolution as a positive and important move, especially considering it is one of the few times the UN had adopted one that affirms LGBT human rights.

Representatives from Australia’s Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) were present in Geneva at the time the resolution was passed.

Advocacy director Anna Brown welcomed the role that Australia had played: “We’re pleased to see Australia co-sponsoring this resolution and taking an active role to assist its passage through the council. We strongly encourage the government to continue its promotion and leadership on LGBTI rights internationally.”

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