Human Rights Council – 58^th Session

Item 8: General Debate
Joint Statement

Group of Friends mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
27.03.2025

Thank you, Mr. President.

I deliver this statement on behalf of Members of the Group of Friends of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Thirty-two years ago, the global community unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to human rights through the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, emphasizing that human rights derive from the inherent dignity of every person.

Today, we cannot accept increasing threats and setbacks in matters of human rights. We must recall the principles and ideals of the VDPA. It is more important than ever to redouble our efforts to tackle the persistent and pervasive scourge of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as upholding our commitment to end all forms of violence as a fundamental human rights obligation.

In this Council, we are guided by human rights principles. We cannot ignore data and evidence collected by the UN System, including the IE SOGI mandate over the last 9 years, with incontestable evidence showing that persons with diverse sexual orientations and/or gender identities continue to face discrimination and violence worldwide, ranging from physical attacks to systemic discrimination in healthcare, education, and employment, access to culture and political representation, as well as restrictions to their freedom of expression and association.

We must acknowledge that freedom from violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is about the application of universal human rights principles to all.

While valuing humanity's cultural, historical, political, and religious diversity, the Vienna Declaration underscored that these differences can never justify human rights violations and abuses.

By working together—governments, international organizations, and civil society—we can prevent violence and discrimination, protect the progress we have made, and ensure that the rights of every individual are upheld without exception.

As we reflect on the Vienna Declaration's principles, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, and that includes persons with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that universal human rights become a reality for everyone.

Let us work together to create a world where every person can live free from violence and discrimination, embracing the full spectrum of human diversity.

Thank you.

(IE SOGI Group of Friends: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay)