Statement by the UN LGBTI Core Group
Chairperson,
I have the honor to make this statement on behalf of the 41 members of the UN LGBTI Core Group and XX other States.
At the foundation of the United Nations lies a simple but profound principle: all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The issues we address today are not about creating new or special rights. They are about ensuring that the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the core human rights treaties are applied equally to every person, without distinction.
We welcome the recent renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by the Human Rights Council. Created in 2016, and renewed in 2019, 2022 and 2025, the mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI is supported by a growing number of States from all regions. We recall that it does not seek to create new rights, but to reduce the gap in protection and deepen the understanding on the ways to overcome violence and discrimination against individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in all regions of the world, while contributing to the implementation of existing international human rights instruments.
The LGBTI Core Group and its Member States aspire for the global decriminalization of LGBTI persons. In over 60 countries, consensual same-sex relationships remain criminalized, and individuals face humiliation, social isolation, imprisonment, violence, or even death, just because of who they are or whom they love.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the universality of human rights, and to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Discriminatory laws and practices that target LGBTI persons and the civil society organizations that defend their rights go against the foundational norms of international human rights law that are human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
The global trend towards decriminalization of LGBTI persons is an encouraging step forward. In many countries, societies are embracing diversity and fostering environments free from fear – conditions that are essential to growth and prosperity. Unfortunately, we are witnessing an alarming rise in hate speech, both online and offline, sometimes promoted by institutions or political actors. In some countries, laws that criminalize gay, lesbians, intersex, queer and trans persons are being reintroduced, often alongside a rise of hate, encouraging violence and denying millions of people their fundamental rights: the right to liberty and security of the person, the right to privacy, to equality before the law and to protection against discrimination, the freedoms of expression, assembly and association, the right to equal access to education, healthcare, housing, employment and public services.
We also recall the findings of the report A/HRC/35/36, which make clear that violence and discrimination against LGBTI persons are rooted in prejudice and invisibility. Addressing them requires both legal reform and efforts to challenge stigma and promote social inclusion.
We call upon the Member States to end all forms of discrimination and to align national legislation with international human rights standards, ensuring protection mechanisms for LGBTI persons at risk and human rights defenders that are the frontrunners of more just and equal societies, where no one, especially those most vulnerable, is left behind.
True equality will only be achieved when no individual is marginalized, penalized or deprived of their dignity on the basis of their identity or the person they love.
I thank you.