SWITZERLAND – In a historic achievement for upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has passed a resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity (L9/Rev1).
The resolution, presented by South Africa along with Brazil and 39 additional co-sponsors from all regions of the world, was passed by a vote of 23 in favor, 19 against, and three abstentions. In its presentation to council, South Africa recalled the UDHR noting that “everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind” and Brazil called on the council to “open the long closed doors of dialogue.”
This resolution is the first U.N. resolution ever to bring specific focus to human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and follows a joint statement on these issues delivered at the March session of the council. It affirms the universality of human rights, and notes concern about acts of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This commitment of the Human Rights Council sends an important signal of support to human rights defenders working on these issues, and recognizes the legitimacy of their work.
The resolution requests the high commissioner for human rights to prepare a study on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and calls for a panel to discuss the findings of the study.
“That we are celebrating the passage of a U.N. resolution about human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation is remarkable, however the fact that gender identity is explicitly named truly makes this pivotal moment one to rejoice in,” said Justus Eisfeld, co-director of Global Action for Trans Equality. “The Human Rights Council has taken a step forward in history by acknowledging that both sexual and gender non-conformity make lesbian, gay, trans and bi people among those most vulnerable and indicated decisively that states have an obligation to protect us from violence.”
wish to know the different laws of human rights about protection order if i have been harassed at work.harassment by family.harassment by colleagues and friends.harassment by a chief at work although as government employers.