Hate crimes against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people are
rising around the world, the United Nations human rights chief said today,
urging governments to do much more to eliminate discrimination and prejudice
based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a video message marking the <I>International Day against Homophobia and
Transphobia</I>, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
<"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/HighCommissioner.aspx">Navi Pillay
said homophobia and transphobia are no different to sexism, misogyny, racism
or xenophobia.
"But whereas these last forms of prejudice are universally condemned by
governments, homophobia and transphobia are too often overlooked," she said.
"History shows us the terrible human price of discrimination and prejudice.
No one is entitled to treat a group of people as less valuable, less
deserving or less worthy of respect. Each and every one of us is entitled to
the same rights, to the same respect and ethical treatment, regardless of
our sexual orientation or gender identity."
Ms. Pillay said statistics indicated that homophobic-based hate crimes were
on the rise in many parts of the world, from New York to Brazil and Honduras
to South Africa. Homosexuality also remains a criminal offence in more than
70 countries.
Yet the High Commissioner said homosexuality and transgenderism have been
present in all societies throughout human history.
She added that international human rights standards have already
incorporated the principle that no one should experience discrimination on
the basis of their sexuality or gender identity.
"Seventeen years ago the UN Human Rights Committee, whose job it is to
remind States of such things, confirmed that, under international law,
States have an obligation to decriminalize homosexuality and to protect
individuals from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation.
Other UN treaty bodies have said the same thing."
In a separate
<"http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarc
hive/2011/may/20110517psidaho/">message, the Executive Director of the Joint
UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said that the stigma and discrimination
faced by many lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people was hampering an
effective response to the disease.
"The AIDS response has shown that when people are stigmatized because of
their sexual orientation or gender identity, they are less likely to access
the HIV services they need," said Michel Sidibé. "This leads to new HIV
infections and AIDS deaths."
Mr. Sidibé urged governments to create social and legal environments that
ensure respect for human rights and universal access to HIV prevention,
treatment and support.
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