United Nations Empowered To Research Gender Identity Abuses

From National Center for Transgender Equality:

Washington, DC – Today, UN Human Rights Council issued a resolution that, for the first time, exclusively affirms the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people around the world. In light of increasing acts of violence and discrimination against LGBT people, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) welcomes the resolution and thanks President Obama and Secretary Clinton for their invaluable work.

With a narrow 23-19 vote, the resolution builds on the UN’s 2008 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and empowers the High Commissioner to research and present findings on human rights abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Under the guidance of the Council for Global Equality, of which NCTE is a member, the United States sponsored the resolution and had a critical role working with other nations to ensure its passage.

Mara Keisling, the National Center for Transgender Equality Executive Director said, “This resolution is a historic step in the global movement for transgender rights and strengthens our own work at home.” She continued, “I am proud of our country’s support of the resolution. President Obama and Secretary Clinton’s leadership here is among many examples of this Administration’s commitment to real change for transgender people everywhere.”