Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Human Rights

In May 2010, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) passed the Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Human Rights. The Resolution recognises that discrimination against anybody on the grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity is contrary to fundamental principles of human rights. As a result of this recognition, the IBAHRI is committed to the repeal of criminal laws imposing penalties against people in respect of consensual, adult, private sexual conduct.

Read Resolution in full

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics at the UPR

In November 2016, the IBAHRI published a report in collaboration with ARC International and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) that found the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council to be the most progressive arena for the protection of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) persons at the international level.

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics at the UPR gives a revealing overview of the role played by the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in shaping the protection of LGBTI rights, giving light to its significant successes, in addition to prividing specific recommendations for states, NGOs, and legal professionals and associations.

Download the report

IBAHRI condemns LGBTQI+ rights crackdown in Poland

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) urges the Republic of Poland to ensure freedom of expression for supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons’ rights. The IBAHRI also calls for an immediate end to the homophobic rhetoric currently espoused by Polish leaders, including President Andrzej Duda, who, in a campaign speech, declared the promotion of LGBT rights an ‘ideology’ more dangerous than communism.

IBAHRI calls for continuing commitment to equality for LGBTQI+ communities

Reflecting on the celebration of Pride across the world, the IBAHRI acknowledges the work still to be done to ensure the protection of LGBTQI+ persons.

IBAHRI signs joint statement on the impact of Covid-19 on LGBTI persons' human rights

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has joined a coalition of 187 global organisations in signing a joint statement regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons’ human rights. Drafted by ILGA World, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR),COC, OutRight Action International, the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL), GATE and ARC International.

IBAHRI applauds landmark verdict on Peruvian discriminatory LGBTQI+ torture case

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes the decision of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) that holds Peru responsible for the arbitrary detention and rape of a transgender woman. The decision, made public on 6 April 2020, marks the first ruling by the IACtHR on a complaint of discriminatory torture against a member of the LGBTQI+ community.

El IBAHRI aplaude emisión de veredicto histórico en un caso de tortura y discriminación contra integrante del colectivo LGBTQI+

El International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (Instituto de Derechos Humanos de la Asociación Internacional de Abogados - IBAHRI) acoge con beneplácito la decisión de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos que determinó la responsabilidad del Perú por la detención arbitraria y la violación de una mujer transgénero. La decisión, emitida el 6 de abril de 2020, es la primera de la Corte Interamericana sobre una denuncia de tortura discriminatoria contra un miembro de la comunidad LGBTQI+

IBAHRI condemns Singapore’s decision to uphold criminalisation of same-sex relations

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expresses deep regret that a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 337A of the Republic of Singapore’s Penal Code outlawing any act of ‘gross indecency’ between men, was dismissed by Singapore’s High Court on 30 March 2020. Homosexual activity between adults has been illegal in Singapore since 1938 following the implementation of the Penal Code under British colonial rule.

IBAHRI states Kenya High Court’s LGBTIQ+ rights ruling very ‘disappointing’ and supports appeal

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) is profoundly dismayed by the declination of Kenya’s High Court on 24 May 2019 to declare colonial era provisions criminalising homosexual conduct, which is punishable by 14 years in prison, as unconstitutional. News of the judgment being appealed is supported by the IBAHRI.

IBAHRI calls on Commonwealth countries to follow Trinidad and Tobago’s decriminalisation of homosexuality

News Release: Thursday 19 April 2018. The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes the ruling by Trinidad and Tobago High Court Judge Devindra Rampersad that the nation’s law banning same-sex relationships is unconstitutional. With heads of state gathering in London this month for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and due to discuss LGBT+ issues for the first time, the IBAHRI calls on all Commonwealth states to work together to repeal colonial-era laws...

IBAHRI calls for UN inquiry into alleged human rights violations of Chechen men

News Release: Friday 19 May 2017. The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has called upon the members of the United Nations Committee against Torture (UNCAT) to instigate an inquiry into claims that 100 men have been detained and tortured in a secret prison in Chechnya on account of their real or suspected sexual orientation. Three of the detainees are reported to have been killed.

IBAHRI welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes the renewal of the United Nations Independent Expert (IE) on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Created in 2016 for an initial period of 3 years, this mandate was set up to respond to a specific pattern of violations directed against persons because of their SOGI.

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Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Human Rights

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics at the UPR

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