Everyone has an equal right to live free from violence, persecution, discrimination and stigma. While welcoming increasing efforts in many countries to protect the rights of LGBT+ people, we should remain seriously concerned that around the world millions of LGBT+ individuals, those perceived as LGBT+, and their families face widespread human rights violations.
Source: Iowa School District
Multiple organizations have documented widespread physical and psychological violence against LGBT+ individuals , including murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual violence, as well as torture and ill-treatment. In many countries, the response to these violations is inadequate, they are underreported and often not properly investigated and prosecuted, leading to widespread impunity and lack of justice, remedies and support for victims.
Furthermore, while the numbers of countries are changing, recent estimates suggest that around 70 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex relationships between adults, exposing individuals to the risk of arbitrary arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and even death penalty, in at least six countries. In 15 jurisdictions, laws criminalizing cross-dressing are used to arrest and punish transgender people. Other laws are used to harass, detain, discriminate or place restrictions on the freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly of LGBT+ people. These discriminatory laws contribute to perpetuating stigma and discrimination, as well as hate crime, police abuse, torture, ill-treatment, family and community violence.
LGBT+ people face widespread discrimination and exclusion in all contexts. Children face bullying, discrimination or expulsion from schools on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT+ youth rejected by their families experience disproportionate levels of suicide, homelessness and food insecurity. Discrimination and violence contribute to the marginalization of LGBT+ people and their vulnerability to ill health, including HIV infection, yet they face denial of care and discriminatory attitudes in medical settings. Transgender people are frequently denied legal recognition of their preferred gender or face abusive requirements such as forced sterilization. Without such treatments they suffer exclusion and marginalization.
No person — child or adult — should suffer abuse, discrimination, exploitation, marginalization or violence of any kind for any reason, including on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Similarly, no person should be denied any of their universal human rights, freedoms and basic opportunities. Legislation that is non-discriminatory, a change in social norms and greater awareness and access to knowledge on the issue are critical components of an enabling environment to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination and support the realization of their rights.
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