Human rights experts call on States to partner with LGBT communities, not police them

May 16, 2025

Washington, DC / Geneva—On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), a group of UN and regional human rights experts* highlighted the resilience and strength of communities in confronting violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

IDAHOBIT, commemorated on 17 May, celebrates sexual and gender diversity and serves as a reminder of the work still required to ensure equality, freedom, and justice for all. As the international community reflects on more than two decades of progress and resistance, the role of communities – in schools, in workplaces, in faith networks, and across borders – emerges as central to confronting systemic violence and building inclusive societies.

"We call on States and the private sector to partner with communities, not police them. To fund them, not silence them. And to recognize that sustainable progress comes not only from legal reform, but also from the lived realities and leadership of those most affected," the experts said. "The power of communities must be recognized as essential to achieving the promise of equality for all."

The experts noted that 2025 marks the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document affirming the equality and dignity of all people. Yet, for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT) individuals, these rights remain out of reach.

Structural inequality, criminalization, and stigma continue to expose individuals to exclusion, violence, hate crimes, and even State-sanctioned persecution, including gross human rights violations such as torture and enforced disappearances. Hostile rhetoric, especially targeting transgender individuals, creates an enabling environment for discrimination and, in some cases, violence.

Discrimination and marginalization of LGBT individuals has entailed less decision-making power, making gender and sexual minorities more likely to suffer lower socioeconomic well-being overall, from poorer quality housing to exposure to hazardous work, lower health outcomes, and even a higher likelihood of being exposed to environmental injustices.

"Across the world, LGBT communities and their allies have stood firm in the face of adversity, showing that solidarity, visibility, and collective action are powerful tools in the struggle for human rights," the experts said. "It is through communities that lives are protected, dignity is restored, and change is driven forward."

The experts expressed concern about increasing legal and policy measures in some countries that target LGBT persons and defenders of their rights, restrict freedoms of expression and assembly, and curtail access to public space, workplaces, and essential services. Marginalized communities – especially those at the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination, such as persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, Black persons, migrants, internally displaced persons, and refugees – are disproportionately affected.

In the face of growing vilification – particularly of transgender people – LGBT communities continue to stand united. Attempts to sow division and undermine hard-won rights must be actively resisted, with renewed commitment to equality and solidarity for all.

"In the face of shrinking civic space, rising hate speech, and restrictive laws, communities have not only persevered – they have led," the experts said. "Mutual care, peer-led services, legal advocacy, and community mobilization have been lifelines where institutions have failed."

Despite these challenges, IDAHOBIT is now recognized in over 130 countries and has become a global platform for visibility and empowerment. Communities have played an essential role in that expansion – by creating safe spaces, resisting erasure, and affirming that LGBT rights are human rights.

*Graeme Reid, Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan; Ms. Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association; Nils Muižnieks, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus; Vitit Muntarbhorn, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia; Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change; Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Olivier De Schutter, the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights; Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; Paula Gaviria Betancur, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; Cecilia M Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity; Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues; Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons; Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights; Bina D'Costa (Chair), Barbara G. Reynolds, Miriam Ekiudoko, Working Group of experts on people of African descent; Lyra Jakulevičienė (Chairperson), Pichamon Yeophantong (Vice-Chairperson), Fernanda Hopenhaym, Robert McCorquodale and Damilola Olawuyi, Working Group on Business and Human Rights; Laura Nyirinkindi (Chair), Claudia Flores (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Ivana Krstić, and Haina Lu, Working group on discrimination against women and girls; Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair); Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, Mohammed Al-Obaidi (members), Working Group on enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights also joins this statement.

For additional information and media requests, please contact the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (IE SOGI) at hrc-ie-sogi@un.org.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 104/25

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