In 2016, the World Bank appointed its first adviser on sexual orientation and gender identity issues. The World Health Organization draws links between sexual health, human rights and the law. UNESCO advocates for increased awareness on homophobia and transphobia in the educational system. UNAIDS examines LGBTI and health-related issues. Its main goal is to work within the UN framework to ensure universal respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTI people. identify and address the root causes of SOGI-based violence and discriminationĬanada is also member of the UN LGBTI Core Group, an informal, cross-regional group of UN member states established in 2008.assess the implementation of existing international human rights instruments aimed at overcoming violence and discrimination against persons on the basis of their SOGI.Since 2016, an independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity has also been mandated by the council to: In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council passed its first resolution recognizing LGBT rights, following which the OHCHR issued a report documenting violations of the rights of LGBT people, including hate crimes, criminalization of homosexual activity and discrimination. Combatting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) has links to resources including UN resolutions on SOGI, reports on SOGI issues and activities combatting discrimination based on SOGI. the Organization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeĪt the forefront is the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).International advocacy International organizationsĬanada actively promotes LGBTQ2I human rights in a number of multilateral forums: condemn violence and discrimination that target individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.support the work of grassroots LGBTQ2I organizations abroad.call on states to decriminalize same-sex conduct.We use bilateral and multilateral channels to: support international assistance programming that seeks to advance human rights and improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2I people.consult and work closely with civil society organizations in Canada and abroad to advance the human rights of LGBTQ2I people.engage constructively at both bilateral and multilateral levels to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQ2I people.
In order to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQ2I persons, we:
What Canada is doing to protect LGBTQ2I persons internationally The “2” in “LGBTQ2I’ stands for “2-spirit” and refers to conceptions of sexual and gender identity in some Indigenous communities in Canada. LGBTQ2I people are also often victims of hate-motivated violence, including: LGBTQ2I people experience discrimination and harassment in housing, the workplace and the classroom. In 6 other countries, the death penalty is a possible punishment.Īround the globe, people experience violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. This includes 6 countries that effectively impose the death penalty on consensual same-sex sexual acts. By contrast, more than 70 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex conduct. Nearly 30 countries, including Canada, recognize same-sex marriage.
Everyone should enjoy the same fundamental human rights, regardless of their sexual orientation and their gender identity and expression.Īrticle 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Article 2 declares, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration.” All people, including LGBTQ2I individuals, are entitled to enjoy the protection provided by international human rights law, which is based on equality and non-discrimination. The human rights of all persons are universal and indivisible. The human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex personsĬanada stands up for the protection and promotion of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex (LGBTQ2I) people globally.