Everybody is invited to attend the upcoming event organized by the United Nations Association - Westminster branch UK: "Human Rights for sexual minorities: is the UN the right forum to campaign? " Tuesday 24 January at 6.30 pm - Room 3 House of Lords

"Around the world, individuals suffer discrimination and violent attack because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI).
In more than 70 countries, homosexuality remains a criminal offence.
The UN Secretary-General has stated that “we reject discrimination in general, and in particular discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. When individuals are attacked, abused or imprisoned because of their sexual orientation, we must speak out…" He pledged to put himself “on the line,” promising “to rally support for the decriminalization of homosexuality everywhere in the world.” In November, the Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights identifies an emerging pattern of human rights violations that demands a response. In February 2011, Judge Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, commenting on the death of Ugandan activist David Kato stated “Decriminalising homosexuality is an essential first step towards establishing genuine equality before the law.” David Cameron’s insistence at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that the UK might cut aid to countries that do not adhere to proper human rights led to intense reaction in some African states. But is the UN, an inter-governmental organization, the right forum to start this campaign? Our speakers will point to human rights abuses by UN member states, many being signatories to International Human Rights Conventions, and explore what international action can be taken to end this persecution and where this action should be taken."

Speakers:

Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk Foundation
Renato Sabbadini, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)
Emma Reed, Head of LGB&T Equality, Government Equalities Office

All are invited to attend. Please enter by the Cromwell Garden entrance via the sloped access to the security entrance and allow time to negotiate the security procedures upon entry.

For further information, contact info@unawestminster.org.uk or tel +44 020 7385 6738
or check our website at www.unawestminster.org.uk

Source: http://www.unawestminster.org.uk/start.html