Human Rights Council 38: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and the right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
UK statement delivered at the 38th session of the HRC during the Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The United Kingdom underlines its support for the work of the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. We welcome the first report by Mr Madrigal- Borloz to the Council on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The UK remains deeply concerned by the ongoing persecution of LGBT persons in Chechnya. The recent statement by the Russian Minister of Justice at Russia’s UN Universal Periodic Review, implying that investigations had been unable to find any LGBT individuals whose rights had been violated, is unacceptable.
We also support the work of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association. The ability to assemble or form associations is central to human rights and human dignity. Too often legislation or policy is used to prevent peaceful assembly or to infringe the rights of workers. This can take the form of intimidation or physical attacks. Human rights defenders protesting against government policy or commercial activity have been attacked or detained, as we have seen recently in Nicaragua and elsewhere.
Of particular concern is the use of preventative measures during election periods, stifling the democratic process.
Mr President,
We would welcome the views of the Special Rapporteur and the Independent Expert on how the United Kingdom can best support their work on these important issues.