International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia; A UN Official: Human Rights Include Everyone

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia that in some countries, "horrific" laws have been enacted that impose the death penalty for same-sex relations and that public discussion and educational materials regarding the rights of sexual and gender minorities are banned in those countries. May 17, corresponding to Ordibehesht 27, has been designated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that attacks and restrictions against human rights defenders continue, and anti-human rights groups, along with some media and political groups, fuel inhumane and hateful narratives on this issue. He emphasized, "The beauty of human rights is that it includes everyone. It does not matter who we are or whom we love." Volker Turk stated, "If we cannot guarantee equality for one group, we fail to guarantee it for everyone." The theme chosen for this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is "No one left behind: Equality, freedom, and justice for all." This day was established to commemorate the World Health Organization's 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from the list of "mental disorders," and every year programs are held worldwide to end discrimination and violence against sexual and gender minorities. Policymakers, leaders, media, and the general public are called upon on this day to address the urgent need to combat violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities and to create inclusive societies enriched by their diversity. 61 UN member countries criminalize same-sex relations, either legally or in practice, and at least 59 countries impose restrictions on freedom of expression regarding sexual and gender diversity issues. To date, 16 UN member countries have enacted national bans on what is referred to as "conversion therapy," and 9 countries have imposed nationwide restrictions on unnecessary interventions for intersex youth. A group of UN human rights experts emphasized in a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia that systematic discrimination, threats, and direct experiences of violence are a reality for many around the world, and the realization of their human rights is undermined in situations where sexual and gender minorities face the risk of being killed, including through arbitrary executions sanctioned by the government in some countries. The statement noted that imposing restrictions on the public expression of identity, especially in conditions where civil society space is also limited, creates an environment where violence and discrimination occur without punishment. UN human rights experts state that individuals marginalized socially and economically based on their sexual orientation and gender identity are likely to experience specific vulnerabilities, including homelessness, poverty, exposure to pollution, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate and toxins. The European Union also issued a statement declaring that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have no place in the EU. The statement emphasized that to ensure that no one is left behind, focus must be placed on combating inequalities and various forms of discrimination. The EU asserts that equality, freedom, and justice must be applied to all, regardless of their actual or presumed sexual orientation and gender identity. The EU has called on governments worldwide to repeal their discriminatory laws, to act against and eliminate hate crimes and hate speech, to prevent any violence against sexual and gender minorities, and to take steps to remove structural and institutional barriers that limit these individuals' participation in decision-making and political processes. Since 2019, eleven countries have legalized marriage equality. In Iran, sexual and gender minorities face numerous discriminations and barriers. Honor killings, arbitrary detentions, and heavy sentences such as imprisonment, flogging, and execution for members of this community have been imposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past 40 years, alongside other human rights-violating laws of the Islamic government, tightening the space for sexual and gender minorities. Recently, a spokesperson for the Tehran City Council stated that "there should be space for the presence of trans individuals and others." Alireza Nadali added that they should not be allowed to move in Vali Asr Square, the busiest intersection in the country. The suffocating atmosphere created by the Islamic Republic over the years for sexual and gender minorities has driven thousands of community members to emigrate from Iran. Controversial - Sexual and gender minorities in limbo. The commitment of the 2024 Paris Olympics to support the rights of sexual and gender minorities. Amnesty International has called on the Islamic Republic to repeal laws criminalizing homosexuality.