UN appoints expert for battling violence and discrimination against LGBTI people

AN Independent Expert on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity has been appointed by the United Nation’s Human Rights Council.

Over a three year term, the Independent Expert’s mandate covers a uniquely LGBTI jurisdiction, with key responsibilities outlined by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement released after the resolution was voted for and successfully adopted on June 30.

Essentially the Independent Expert will be tasked with identifying and addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination, as well as assessing instruments that are already in place that aim to overcome violence and discrimination against LGBTI people, according to the OHCHR.

Pooja Patel, the program manager for the International Service for Human Rights, praised the resolution.

“This is a tremendous outcome and very timely,” Patel said.

“In all countries, in all regions, from Orlando to Bangladesh, LGBT people are subjected to hate and violence and it must be combated at every level including at the UN.”

The resolution was met with resistance along the way from a number of countries, which resulted in amendments. Eventually 23 voted in favour, 18 voted against, and six voted in abstention.