The joint call was delivered by ILGA World at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on SOGI. The statement underscored that, despite progress, grave and systematic human rights violations continue against people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in every region of the world.
Since the establishment of the mandate in 2016, the Independent Expert has issued over 171 communications documenting human rights violations and completed 10 country visits. The mandate has provided critical support in identifying good practices, advising states on aligning with international standards, and addressing emerging threats – including the rise of anti-gender movements spreading disinformation and targeting LGBTI+ communities.
The statement highlighted the ongoing criminalization of same-sex relations in over 64 countries, the existence of laws criminalizing diverse gender identities in more than 10 states, and the staggering toll of at least 5,000 trans people murdered globally between 2008 and 2024.
By co-sponsoring the statement, Humanists International reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of LGBTI+ individuals worldwide, in line with its policies going back more than 40 years, and to ensure that international mechanisms remain empowered to confront discrimination rooted in sexual orientation or gender identity.
The call to renew the mandate received widespread support across civil society and was backed by states and organizations working at every level – from grassroots activists to international coalitions – united in the belief that LGBTI+ people are, and must be, free and equal in dignity and rights.
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