Sexual orientation and gender identity

Uploaded on December 11, 2023
The 44th session of the Universal Periodic was held from 6 to 17 November 2023. 14 Countries were under review during the session: Turkmenistan, Cabo Verde, Uzbekistan, Germany, Canada, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Tuvalu, Djibouti, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Cuba, the Russian Federation and Cameroon. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI submitted reports for Canada, Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.
Published on September 29, 2023

We regret that Botswana received and noted several recommendations on decriminalising abortion, on repealing Section 167 of the Penal Code, and on ensuring access to legal gender recognition. Botswana must eliminate discrimination against women and ensure their access to legal, safe, and affordable sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion, which Botswana still criminalises, and gender-affirming care.

Published on July 10, 2023
JOICFP delivers this statement on behalf of 9 partner organizations on the issues related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR in short). We deeply regret that Japan did not accept the recommendations it received on decriminalization of abortion, removal of spousal consent requirement for abortion, revision of law that forces sterilization to trans-persons under the legal gender recognition process, and implementation of comprehensive sexuality education.
Published on July 10, 2023

We welcome the recommendations made to Pakistan on protecting women’s rights, the rights of transgender people, and sexual and reproductive rights.

We are concerned by the recent regressive ruling by the Federal Shariat court, which struck down key sections of the Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act 2018.

Published on July 07, 2023
We regret Switzerland’s inconsistent approach to recommendations received on addressing racism and racial discrimination. We remain concerned by structural racism in Switzerland, and its varied manifestations as illustrated through barriers to accessing affordable health services or housing, through restrictive immigration rules and related border harassment, or through a lack of accountability for racial profiling, police harassment, brutality, and murder- as recently exemplified through the acquittal of the police officers who murdered Mike Ben Peter.
Published on July 06, 2023
We regret that Ghana has taken such an inconsistent approach to the sexual and reproductive health and rights-related recommendations it received during its UPR review, and regret that the addendum to the report does not provide adequate explanations for the chosen approach.
Published on June 30, 2023
From the criminalization of abortion in Poland, to the anti-LGBTIQ+ laws being passed in Uganda, racist anti-migrant laws and policies across Europe and North America, and the push for punitive frameworks against sex work; these attacks aim to construct an exclusionary society that reinforces social hierarchies of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, caste, and class. Make no mistake, this is structural and intentional violence.
Published on June 22, 2023
Technology and digital innovation have advanced health coverage, particularly sexual and reproductive health, providing spaces for youth, adolescents, and other marginalized communities to access these services without stigma. However, it is essential to underline that we are facing a context where regressive actors are using these same digital platforms to assault women human rights defenders, attacking their privacy and propagate misinformation and disinformation, particularly related to abortion, the rights of trans persons, adolescent sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education.
Published on February 15, 2023

In response to the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem’s harmful position against legal gender recognition through self-identification, the Sexual Rights Initiative has decided to stop engaging with this mandate-holder, and encourages other feminist organizations and activists to do the same.

Published on December 15, 2022

The 42nd session of the Universal Periodic review begins on the 23rd of January 2023. The working group session will take place from 23 January to 3 February 2023. 13 Countries will be under review during the session: Czechia, Gabon, Benin, Switzerland, Argentina, Ghana, Guatemala, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Zambia. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI collaborated on reports for Guatemala, Japan, Pakistan, Switzerland and Zambia.

Uploaded on December 11, 2023

This submission reflects on the progress that Azerbaijan has made since its last review to meet its obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. Azerbaijan received and supported recommendations during the last cycle of the UPR on gender equality, violence and discrimination against women, as well as women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues. These include bodily autonomy, reproductive health and family planning, sexual orientation and gender identity, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and child marriage. These sets of rights are cornerstones of democratic societies.

Uploaded on June 06, 2023

The Romanian Constitution guarantees equal treatment of all citizens before the law and public authorities, without any privilege or discrimination. This includes explicit reference to sexual orientation as a protected ground, and legal protection against hate crimes. Despite this, Romania is not respecting, protecting and fulfilling a broad range of rights related to sexuality and gender, particularly as pertains to sexual and reproductive health and rights. This failure is marked by an inability to provide adequate access to contraceptives, the lack of accessibility and availability of abortion services despite abortion being legal in the country, and the failure to invest in HIV/AIDS programming to prevent new cases in the country.

Uploaded on June 06, 2023

The 42nd session of the Universal Periodic review begins on the 23rd of January 2023. The working group session will take place from 23 January to 3 February 2023. 13 Countries will be under review during the session: Czechia, Gabon, Benin, Switzerland, Argentina, Ghana, Guatemala, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Zambia. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI collaborated on reports for Guatemala, Japan, Pakistan, Switzerland and Zambia.

Uploaded on May 01, 2023

The 43rd session of the Universal Periodic review begins on 1 May 2023. The working group session will take place from 1 to 12 May 2023. 14 Countries will be under review during the session: France,Tonga, Romania, Mali, Botswana, the Bahamas, Burundi, Luxembourg, Barbados, Montenegro, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Liechtenstein and Serbia. In collaboration with our partners, the SRI collaborated on reports for Romania and Botswana.

Uploaded on December 15, 2022

This report is submitted by SEXUAL HEALTH Switzerland and the Sexual Rights Initiative. It examines the human rights situation in Switzerland, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Uploaded on December 15, 2022

This joint stakeholder report assesses Pakistan’s progress since its third cycle review in meeting its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the sexual and reproductive health and rights obligations it has towards young people, particularly women and transgender persons. The submission focuses on access to safe abortion, the sexual rights of LGBT people, and access to sexual and reproductive health information, education and services.

Uploaded on December 15, 2022

2. This report is jointly submitted by nine (9) national, regional, and international civil organizations striving to promote SRHR. It highlights ongoing issues concerning SRHR in Japan with a focus on six (6) topics: access to contraceptives including emergency contraception, access to safe abortion, redress for victims of forced sterilization, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE), law reform of the crimes of sexual violence including rape, and universal access to comprehensive sexuality education.

Published on July 01, 2022

Statement by the Uganda LBQ Loose Network, a collective working towards increasing the voice and visibility of lesbian, bisexual and queer women in advocacy, feminist leadership, and women’s rights in Uganda, CREA, the Coalition of African Lesbians and the Sexual Rights Initiative to the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Uganda at the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.

Published on June 17, 2022

Statement by Action Canada, Action Canada's National Youth Advisory Board and the Sexual Rights Initiative to the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.

Uploaded on October 08, 2021

Transitional justice mechanisms must respond to historic causes of violence and conflict by addressing structural oppressions that affect people based on their race, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, amongst others. Redress comes only when acknowledging how intersectional oppression continues to operate through associated stereotypes, stigma and discrimination, including those related to race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.  Intersectionality is crucial to ensure a truth and reconciliation process.

Uploaded on March 31, 2021

Colectivo Ovejas Negras; Akahatá – Equipo de trabajo en sexualidades y géneros; Synergia – Initiatives for Human Rigths; and the SRI – Sexual Rights Initiative, present the following alternative report to the Committee Against Torture. This report is aimed at contributing to the reviewing of the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by the State of Uruguay.

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Statement on Nigeria’s Adoption of the 31st UPR Recommendations

Thank you Mr President, the Federation for Women and Family Planning makes this statement on behalf of the Equality Triangle Initiative.

Nigeria received over 60 recommendations relating to sexual and reproductive rights and health, including on violence and discrimination against women and girls, early and forced marriages, harmful cultural practices, HIV and AIDS, SRHR services and general health services - the majority of these recommendations were accepted by Nigeria and we commend Nigeria for doing so.

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Argentina

Collaborators: SRI, Akahata

Key Words: Maternal Mortality; Abortion; Contraception; Gender-Based Violence; Sexuality Education

 

Country: Guatemala

Collaborators: SRI, Colectiva Mujeres en Resistencia

Key Words: Gender-Based Violence; Violence Against Lesbian Women

 

Country: Pakistan

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Belize

Collaborators: SRI, United Belize Advocacy Movement

Key Words: Sexual orientation and gender identity; Human rights; Right to education; Discrimination; Sexual and reproductive rights; HIV/AIDS; Stigma.

 

Country: China

Collaborators: SRI

Key Words: Sexual orientation and gender identity; Right to freedom of expression; Right to education; Right to health.

 

Country: Malaysia

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Afghanistan

Collaborators: SRI, Afghan Family Guidance Association & International Planned Parenthood Federation (South Asia Regional Office)

Key Words: HIV/AIDS; People who inject drugs; Discrimination; Stigma; Health Systems Strengthening; Access to Services; Education; Availability of Services; Accessibility of Services.

 

Country: Cambodia

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Bolivia

Collaborators: SRI, Ipas

Key Words: Sexual and reproductive rights, maternal mortality, criminalization of abortion

 

Country: Bolivia

Collaborators: SRI, Colectivo LGBT de Bolivia

Key Words: Sexual orientation, gender equality, discrimination, violence, sexuality education, public policy, Bolivian legislation, hate crimes 

 

Country: Bosnia Herzegovina

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Brazil

Collaborators: SRI, Ipas

Key Words: Legal abortions, contraception, sexuality education and information on sexual and reproductive health and rights, zika

 

Country: Ecuador

Collaborators: SRI, Taller Comunicación Mujer

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Chile

Collaborators: SRI, Organizando Trans Diversidades

Key Words: Identidad de género; orientación sexual; personas trans; reasignación registral; discriminación; violencia; acceso a la salud; educación y trabajo. C

 

Country: Macedonia

Collaborators: SRI, Margini Coalition, Reactor, Health Education and Research Association

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: The Gambia

Collaborators: SRI, Women In Liberation and Leadership, African Men for Sexual Health and Rights

Violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression

 

Country: Kazakhstan

Collaborators: SRI, The Legal Center for Women’s Initiatives “Sana Sezim”

Domestic violence, sexual and reproductive rights, comprehensive sexuality education, access to SRH services

 

Uploaded on May 29, 2019

Country: Grenada

Collaborators: SRI, GrenCHAP, Gorundation Grenada

Key Words: LGBT People, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, discrimination based on SOGIE

 

Country: Guyana

Collaborators: SRI, Society Against

Key Words: Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) LGBT People, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, discrimination based on SOGIE

 

Uploaded on May 28, 2019

The present report is submitted to the Human Rights Council pursuant to its resolution 27/32, in which the Council requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to update the report of the Office of the High Commission on violence and discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity (A/HRC/19/41).

Uploaded on May 28, 2019

Country: Belgium

Collaborators: SRI, Sensoa

Key Words: Abortion, comprehensive sexuality education, HIV, STI, undocumented migrants, sexual violence, sexual abuse, age of consent, sexual and reproductive health and rights 

 

Country: Singapore

Collaborators: SRI, Kaleidoscope Australia Human Rights Foundation, Safe Singapore, Sayoni, the Bear Project, Young Out

Uploaded on May 28, 2019

Country: Mexico

Collaborators: SRI,Musas de Metal Grupo de Mujeres Gay A.C.

Key Words: Derechos sexuales y reproductivos; salud y diversidad sexual; LGBTTTI; mujeres; lesbianas; bisexuales; trans; discriminación; matrimonio de personas del mismo sexo; familias homoparentales y lesbomaternales; reproducción asistida; maternidad subrogada; terapias de conversión; violencia; feminicidios. 

 

Country: Nigeria

Collaborators: SRI, Queer Alliance Nigeria

Uploaded on May 28, 2019

Country:  Ireland

Collaborators: SRI, Abortion Rights Campaign Ireland, Sex Workers Alliance Ireland

Key Words: human rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, abortion, comprehensive sexuality education, sex work, bodily autonomy, Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act

 

Country: Sudan

Collaborators: SRI, Anonymous Contributor

Uploaded on May 23, 2019

Country: Lithuania

Colaborators: SRI, Family Planning,  Sexual Health Association of Lithuania

Key words:  access to contraception; access to abortion; comprehensive sexuality education; youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services; sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

 

Country: Lithuania

Colaborators: SRI, National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL Sexual, ILGA-Europe

Uploaded on May 23, 2019

Human Rights Council – 35th session

Item 3: IE on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Thank you, Mr. President. Action Canada makes this statement on behalf of the Sexual Rights Initiative.

Sexuality and gender continue to be sites of oppression, discrimination, violence and subject to harsh religious, legal, political, economic and social control. They have become the sites of geopolitical contestation and are often leveraged to win elections, obscure or justify human rights abuses in other areas and cynically used to subvert the universality of human rights.

Uploaded on May 22, 2019

Country: Ireland

Collaborators: SRI, Irish Family Planning Association

Key Words: Abortion; Criminalization; Right to Health; Discrimination

 

Country: Lithuania

Collaborators: SRI, Family Planning and Sexual Health Association

Key Words: Sexuality Education; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Young People

 

Country: Venezuela

Uploaded on May 22, 2019

Country: Bolivia

Collaborators: SRI, Clayvert Alcon Saavedra

Key Words: Sexual Orientation; Gender Identity; Sex Work; Discrimination; Access to Health Services; Violence

 

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovenia

Collaborators: SRI, Organization Q

Key Words: Sexual Orientation; Gender Identity; Sexuality Education; Discrimination; Freedom of Expression; Violence

 

Country: Fiji

Uploaded on May 22, 2019

Country: Cambodia

Collaborators: SRI, People Health Development Association

Key Words: Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Young People; Sex Work; Sexual Violence; Sexual Transmitted Infections; HIV; Human Rights of Women; Discrimination Against Women; Gender-Based Violence

 

Country: Costa Rica

Collaborators: SRI, Mulabi-Costa Rica

Uploaded on May 07, 2019

We, the members of civil society and individuals present at the International Conference on Human Rights and ICPD Beyond 2014 (The Hague, 7-10 July, 2013), representing diverse constituencies from around the globe, welcome the constructive spirit and promising tone of the International Conference. In that same spirit we repeat our call upon governments and agencies to commit to the full realization of the sexual and reproductive rights of all people.

Uploaded on April 26, 2019

Presently, a number of UN Member States and NGOs are advocating for the Human Rights Council to create a new Special Rapporteur on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI). From the perspective of the SRI, the proposed mechanism would be limited in its ability to protect the fundamental rights of people most in need and risks neglecting a range of sexuality and gender related abuses that demand the UN’s attention.

Published on September 20, 2018

Here are statements the Sexual Rights Initiative has made during the 39th session of the Human Rights Council.

September 10, 2018

Item 3: Clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery and the Independent Expert on democratic and equitable international order.

Thank You Mr President,

Published on June 14, 2018

The 38th session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place from June 18 to July 6, 2018.

Find below information about anticipated sexual rights-related resolutions, panels, reports, UPR outcomes, and parallel events taking place during the 38th session.

Click here to access the full programme of work for HRC38

 

 

Expected Resolutions Relevant to Sexual Rights

Published on September 06, 2017

The 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place from the 11th to the 29th of September 2017. Find below information about anticipated sexual rights-related resolutions, panels and reports, UPR outcomes, and parallel events taking place during the 36th session.

Published on November 17, 2016

Find out which human rights recommendations were accepted, noted or deferred by Haiti, Iceland, Lithuania, Moldova (Republic of), South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), and Zimbabwe during the latest UN Universal Periodic Review.

The 26th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held at the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, from 31 October-11 November 2016.

Published on September 26, 2016

SRI Oral Statements made during the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council during the Consideration of the Outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sudan, Tajikistan, and Thailand. The UPR outcome for each State reviewed during UPR25 is adopted during this session of the HRC. The outcome report indicates which recommendations the State agrees to implement, and its responses to other recommendations.

 

SRI Statement on Ireland, UPR Report Consideration – 00:38:13

Published on June 07, 2016

The Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) is a coalition of organizations from Canada, Poland, India, Egypt, Argentina and South Africa that have been advocating together for the advancement of human rights related to gender, sexuality and reproduction at the UN Human Rights Council since 2006. We are committed to and strongly in support of rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Many of us are directly affected as people who are non-conforming in terms of our gender identity and expression and our sexual orientation.

Published on February 19, 2016

The 24th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held at the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, from 18-29 January 2016. Here is a recap of sexual rights at UPR24.

Fourteen countries were reviewed during UPR24 including: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Palau, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Somalia.

Published on May 28, 2015

The 22nd session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held at the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, from 4 – 21 May 2015.

Fourteen countries were reviewed during UPR22 including: Andorra, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Honduras, Jamaica, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Panama, and the United States of America.

Published on February 04, 2015

The 21st session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was held at the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, from 19 – 30 January 2015.

Fourteen countries were reviewed during UPR21 including: Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Guinea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Spain, Lesotho, Kenya, Armenia, Guinea-Bissau, Sweden, Grenada, Turkey, Guyana, and Kuwait.

Published on January 17, 2015

The 21st session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will take place at the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, from 19 – 30 January 2015.

Fourteen countries will be reviewed during the session, including: Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Guinea, Lao Peopl’s Democratic Republic, Spain, Lesotho, Kenya, Armenia, Guinea-Bissau, Sweden, Grenada, Turkey, Guyana, Kuwait

The Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) collaborated with national NGOs and activists in four countries up for review to prepare five stakeholder submissions:
 

Published on October 21, 2014

The 20th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) will take place at the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, from October 27 – November 7 2014. Fourteen countries will be reviewed during the session, including: Italy, El Salvador, Gambia, Bolivia, Fiji, San Marino, Kazakhstan, Angola, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Madagascar, Iraq, Slovenia, Egypt, and Bosnia Herzegovina.

Published on September 24, 2014

During the 27th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) collaborated with national-level organizations and advocates to deliver oral statements regarding outcomes from the Universal Periodic Review ‘s (UPR) of Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dominica, Nicaragua, Norway and Portugal.

Published on September 04, 2014

The 27th session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place from 8-26 September 2014. Here you will find information regarding some sexual rights-related resolutions, discussions, UPR outcomes and parallel events taking place during the session.

Click here to access the full programme of work for the 27th session

 

Expected Sexual Rights-related Resolutions

Published on July 17, 2014

In preparation for the 21st session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the SRI, with support from coalition-member Akahata, collaborated with the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) (a Guyanese human rights organization dedicated to achieving equality and justice for all, particularly those who experience discrimination based on their sexuality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression), to prepare a stakeholder submission for Guyana’s review.

Published on April 26, 2014

Statement by the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC):

The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC) condemns the regressive and inhuman revision of the penal code of Brunei Darussalam that introduces stoning to death as a specific method of execution for same sexual activities. The ASC is somewhat comforted by the postponement of the implementation of the new code. However, the ASC maintains its position on the introduction of the law, albeit the delay.

Published on April 15, 2014

A side event entitled “Intersectionality and Impunity: locating Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity in the Human Rights Discourse” took place on Wednesday 19 March 2014. The event was co-sponsored by, alphabetically, Coalition of SOGI Malaysia, ICARH, ILGA, ISHR, JSA Consulting Group and the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI). Panelists included human rights defenders from India, Malaysia, Nigeria and Switzerland as well as a representative of OHCHR; including the SRI’s Sunita Kujur (representing CREA).

Published on April 11, 2014

During the 47th session of the UN Commission on Population and Development (CPD), individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and their allies, came together to voice concerns regarding ongoing violations of the human rights of individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Published on April 03, 2014

The 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council took place from March 3 – 28 2014. The first week of the four-week session comprised of a ‘High-level segment’ during which high-level dignitaries addressed the Council. Below is a round-up of sexual rights-related news from the 25th session of the Council.

Highlights

SRI and WILPF respond to the ‘protection of the family’ initiative

Published on February 07, 2014

Building on the Hague Civil Society Call to Action on Human Rights and ICPD Beyond 2014, the SRI’s written statement for the upcoming 47th session of the Commission on Population and Development calls on governments to:

Ensure the implementation of all human rights obligations related to the Programme of Action of the ICPD;

Promote equality by tackling the root causes of structural inequalities;

Published on December 12, 2013

Human rights activists across the country are deeply disappointed with today’s decision of the Supreme Court in Suresh Kumar Kaushal v. Naz Foundation to overturn the historic Delhi High Court judgement of 2009, which decriminalised homosexuality in India. CREA believes that today’s decision to set aside that historic and progressive judgement is an unconscionable blow to people’s fundamental rights to equality and freedom from discrimination, violence, and harassment. This is a huge setback not just for the LGBT movement in this country and elsewhere, but also for human rights everywhere.

Published on September 20, 2013

During the 24th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) collaborated with national-level organizations and advocates to deliver oral statements regarding outcomes from the Universal Periodic Review ‘s (UPR) of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Russia and Uzbekistan.

Published on July 19, 2013

On June 6th 2013, the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI), in collaboration with the World YWCA, and Permanent Missions to the UN in Geneva of Finland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Uruguay organized a parallel event on ‘the role of the Human Rights Council in advancing sexual and reproductive rights and health in the post-2015 development agenda’.

Published on July 17, 2013

The ICPD Beyond 2014 International Conference on Human Rights took place in The Netherlands from 7-10 July 2013. The Conference is the second thematic conference, following the ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Youth Forum (which took place in Indonesia, in December 2012), to take place within the scope of the ongoing review of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD PoA).

Published on June 26, 2012

The Special Rapporteur highlights that the killings can be direct with defined perpetrators in the home, community or by the State and, critically, gender-motivated killings can also be indirect where the perpetrator is not so easily defined such as in the case of deaths from clandestine abortions, maternal mortality, deaths from harmful traditional practices and deaths from neglect through starvation or ill-treatment. Restrictive abortion laws and criminalization of abortion that lead women to seek illegal abortions coupled with poor access to reproductive health services have been recognized as causes of preventable maternal mortality. In addition, harmful practices that seek to control women’s and girls’ sexuality through violence and stigma are reinforced by the State’s failure to protect women’s and girls’ rights from a holistic perspective which takes into account the political, economic and social context in which this violence occurs.

We also share the consideration of a problem of killings of women based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This constitutes multiple discrimination and is fueled by homophobic statements and positions by states and non-state actors, including their analysis on tradition, culture and religion.