HRC SESSION 48 (SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2021) – ILGA WORLD’S ENGAGEMENT
HRC 48 – 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Geneva, 13 September – 8 October 2021
ILGA World’s involvement at the 48th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC)
The page will be updated as the session unfolds
Reports:
In this section:
Statements at the Human Rights Council
- Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the analytical report of the High Commissioner on the current state of play of the mainstreaming of the human rights of women and girls in conflict and postconflict situations
- Item 3 – Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
- Item 4 – General Debate: human rights situations requiring attention
Statements at the Human Rights Council
ITEM 3: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON THE ANALYTICAL REPORT OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER ON THE CURRENT STATE OF PLAY OF THE MAINSTREAMING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN CONFLICT AND POSTCONFLICT SITUATIONS
During this interactive dialogue, we took the floor to point out how actions under the women, peace and security agenda routinely overlook women and girls who are lesbians, bisexualadjective used to describe a person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of other genders. More, transadjective/umbrella term to describe a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. More, intersexan umbrella term for the spectrum of variations of sex characteristics that naturally occur within the human species. Intersex people are born with variations of sex characteristics (such as genitals, reproductive organs, hormonal and chromosomal patterns) that are more diverse than stereotypical definitions of male or female bodies. Up to 1.7% of the global population are born with such traits; yet, because their bodies are seen as different, intersex children and adults are often stigmatised and subject to harmful practices – including in medical settings - and discriminated against. More, or queerpreviously used as a derogatory term to refer to LGBT individuals in the English language – and still perceived as offensive by some - queer has been reclaimed by people who identify beyond traditional gender categories and heteronormative social norms. Although not universally accepted, it is often used as a catch-all to include many people within the larger community of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. More.
In this statement, delivered in consultation with Edge Effect, we urged all stakeholders to ensure that the human rights of women and girls with diverse SOGIESCabbreviation standing for sexual orientation and gender identity & expression, and sex characteristics. More are respected, protected and fulfilled (also) in conflict and post-conflict situations.
Follow this link to read our statement, and watch the video below
ITEM 3 – INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS BY OLDER PERSONS
During this interactive dialogue, we addressed how LGBTIacronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people. Although this is not the acronym available to describe people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, it is the most commonly used in United Nations spaces and advocacy. More older persons are at risk of abuse both on the grounds of their age and on their being LGBTI. Furthermore, the lack of recognition to their relationships may leave them without inheritance or survivor benefits. “There is a clear need for intersectional policies and projects focused on disparities and discriminatory access to legal and social programs established to support LGBTI elders”, we pointed out. “Particularly in the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic, inequality in social programs has become more visible.”
Follow this link to read our statement, and watch the video below
ITEM 4 – GENERAL DEBATE: HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATIONS REQUIRING ATTENTION
During this general debate, nine civil society organisations called the attention of the Council to the human rights situation of LGBTI persons in Ghana, in light of the recent Anti-LGBTI draft bill being discussed in the country. “As expressed by 11 UN Special Proceduresindependent human rights experts within the UN Human Rights Council with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective. They are non-paid and elected for 3-year mandates that can be re-conducted for another three years. Special procedures can undertake country visits, and act on individual cases of reported violations by sending communications to States and others. They also engage in advocacy, raise public awareness, provide advice for technical cooperation, and contribute to the development of international human rights standards.
More, the draft legislation is ‘a recipe for violence’. The discussion of such draft legislation has already significantly and alarmingly promoted a rise in discriminationunequal or unfair treatment which can be based on a range of grounds - such as age, ethnic background, disability, and diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions or sex characteristics, amongst others. More and violence against LGBTI persons in Ghana. The adoption of this bill has major implications on the already marginalized and vulnerable LGBTI community.”
Follow this link to read the statement
