2002-APR: Brazil proposed resolution on sexual orientation:
According to the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service:
"The UN Human Rights Commission tried to tackle lesbian and gay
rights in [2002] April when Brazil proposed a resolution expressing 'deep
concern at the occurrence of violations of human rights in the world against
persons on the grounds of their sexual orientation'."
The resolution was derailed when five Muslim States on the commission said they
would oppose any resolution containing the words 'sexual orientation.' Islamic
nations, with support from the Vatican and ultra-conservative elements in the
United States have consistently opposed the human rights of lesbian and gay
people." 1
Religious and social conservatives generally define
homosexuality in terms of behavior; they often consider it chosen, disordered,
abnormal, unnatural and changeable. Human sexuality researchers, gays, lesbians,
bisexuals, religious liberals and others generally differ from this assessment. They define homosexuality in terms of sexual orientation which is an
innate, unchosen, fixed part of what a gay or lesbian person is. They regard it
as a normal and natural orientation for a minority of adults.
Opposition to the use of the term "sexual
orientation" is to be expected from many predominately Muslim countries. They
oppose any transition by which homosexuality is no longer viewed as a chosen
criminal behavior and becomes seen as a normal and natural orientation.
Use of the term "sexual orientation" is the first
step towards grouping homophobia together with other forms of hate and
discrimination, including sexism, racism, religism,
xenophobia. etc.
2003-AUG-05: Uniglobe hosts panel discussion:
The United Nations Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees Organization (UNGLOBE)
hosted an unprecedented panel discussion at the New York City headquarters of
the United Nations. They noted that the UN does not live up to the requirements
of its own Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in its treatment
of its employees. A UNIGLOBE spokesperson asked:
"Why does the UN fail to recognize the committed, non-marital relationships
of these employees? Why does the UN deny visas, pension, health and other
benefits to the loved ones of its gay, lesbian and bisexual employees? Why does
the UN not take firm action to end the many cases of overt discrimination
against its gay, lesbian and bisexual employees? And why is the UN?s record on
these issues so far behind that of the World Bank and many other international
organizations?" 1
Mark Malloch Brown, Administrator of the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), emphasized that:
"... discrimination based on sexual orientation not only violates basic
human rights, but also hinders development by immobilizing human capital,
stifling expression and limiting freedom of choice." 1
Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme
on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), commented:
"Homophobia has played a crucial role in contributing to the spread of the
HIV infection among gay men by undermining and discouraging HIV/AIDS
prevention efforts aimed at empowering vulnerable groups. Homophobia continues
to have a devastating impact on individuals, communities and societies today."
Piot stressed that persecution of sexual minorities, including imprisonment
and torture, is common. 1,2
Brazil had prepared a declaration for submission to the United Nations Commission
on Human Rights but decided on 2004-MAR-29 to withdraw it. The decision was
made largely because of
combined opposition from the Roman Catholic church and the
Islamic Conference of States.
Kursad Kahramanoglu, Co-Secretary General of the
International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said:
"We have been here before with the UN. This
unprincipled alliance of the Vatican and Islamic Conference of States
(ICS) in the UN has already twisted the arms of many countries to almost a
breaking point in the past. The lukewarm support from some of the traditional
supporters of LGBT rights has also contributed to the feeling of isolation of
the Brazilian Government. There are however, plenty of countries, which support
the human rights of LGBT people. ILGA will ask some other countries which
support this resolution to sponsor it. Our team in Geneva with other advocates
of human rights will continue to talk to all those involved. We thank Brazil for
their hard struggle until now, in the name of all those millions of LGBT people
all over the world. People who expect this to be the end of the matter are sadly
mistaken. Resolve this in the way the Vatican and ICS demand it, implies we
would deny our own existence. We simply cannot do that. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgendered Rights are Human Rights, and it is just a matter of time
before the whole world recognizes this."
3
Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Co-secretary General of ILGA added:
"Some might say that Brazil backed down under
pressure. Our rights cannot be denied forever. We will fight and we will
eventually gain the human rights which have been denied us for this long."
3
2006-DEC-01: UN Human Rights Council discussed homophobia:
The third session of the UN Human Rights Council met from NOV-29 to DEC-08.
Under the topic of " 'other issues' related to the protection and promotion of
human rights," the Council discussed
"... human rights violations linked to sexual orientation and gender
identity... Speakers expressed deep concern at ongoing human rights violations
around the world based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The principles
of universality and non-discrimination required that these be addressed. All
Special Procedures and treaty bodies should continue to integrate consideration
of human rights violations based on sexual orientation within their relevant
mandates. Tackling stigma and discrimination was about political and moral
leadership: from politicians, religious figures, communities, the media,
campaigning organizations, and from individuals, including how each behaved."
4
In other words, they expressed concern, but took no concrete action.
References used:
The following information source was used to prepare and update the above
essay. The hyperlink is not necessarily still active today.
"UNIBLOBE urges UN to recognize gay rights," UN Non-Governmental Liaison
Service, 2003-AUG, at:
http://www.un-ngls.org/
