Speeches and statements
OHCHR and the human rights of LGBTI people
2020
2019
- Bachelet dismayed by Kenyan High Court Decision upholding criminal sanctions for same-sex relations (24 May 2019)
- Bachelet welcomes Botswana High Court decision decriminalizing same-sex relations (11 June 2019)
2018
- UN Human Rights Chief calls for end to violence and killings of LGBTI people, 26 September 2018
- UN Human Rights Chief applauds Indian Supreme Court decision to decriminalize same-sex relationships (7 September 2019)
2017
- OHCHR spokesperson expresses concern at persecution, arbitrary arrest, detention and ill-treatment of men perceived to be gay in Indonesia, 26 May 2017
- Embrace diversity and protect trans and gender diverse children and adolescents, urge UN and regional human rights experts, 16 May 2017
- End abuse and detention of gay men in Chechnya, UN human rights experts tell Russia, 13 April 2017
2016
- LGBTI people face “vortex of violence and discrimination,” says UN expert in debut address, 22 November 2016
- UN and regional human rights mechanisms call for an end to violence and harmful medical practices on intersex children and adults, 24 October 2016
- Targeted and tortured: UN experts urge greater protection for LGBTI people in detention, 23 June 2016
- Deputy High Commissioner opening remarks at International Ministerial Meeting on Education Sector Response to Violence based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression, 17 May 2016
- UN and regional human rights mechanisms call for review of medical classifications to end pathologization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans adults and children, 12 May 2016
- OHCHR South America Regional Office and UN Women in Brazil condemn brutal murder of Luana Reis, 4 May 2016
- UN High Commissioner message to the International Dialogue on the Intersections of Culture/Tradition with Human Rights Related to Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East and North Africa, 20 February 2016
- OHCHR spokesperson expresses concern at failure to prosecute incitement to violence against gay and lesbian persons in Malawi, 22 January 2016
2015
- UN in Malawi issues statement on recent arrests and on respecting the rights of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation, 21 December 2015
- Keynote address by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights at a panel on protection and promotion of the human rights of LGBTI persons, 20 November 2015
- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's remarks at High Level LGBT Core Group Event "Leaving No-One Behind: Equality & Inclusion in the Post-2015 Development Agenda", 29 September 2015
- Twelve UN agencies issue unprecedented joint statement on rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & intersex people, 29 September 2015
- Opening remarks by Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at the Expert meeting on ending human rights violations against intersex persons, 16 September 2015
- OHCHR spokesperson expresses concern at recent attacks, discriminatory treatment and incitement to violence against LGBT people in Turkey, 14 July 2015
- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's remarks at a Free & Equal campaign event upon receiving the Harvey Milk Medal, 26 June 2015
- OHCHR Central America Regional Office condemns murder of transgender activist, 1 June 2015
- UN and regional human rights mechanisms call for recognition and protection of the rights of young LGBT and intersex people, 13 May 2015
- OHCHR spokesperson on murder of men accused of homosexual acts by ISIL in Iraq, 20 January 2015