To mark the occasion of Pride Month in June, the LI Human Rights Committee (LI HRC) called upon nations to increase LGBTQI+ visibility and participation in political decision-making bodies at the 47th assembly of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Despite global trends towards decriminalisation, the absence of LGBTQI+ representation in political decision-making contributes to the persistence of laws denying community members their rights to freedom of expression and identity in many parts of the world. 69 countries still criminalise same-sex acts. 15 countries criminalise practices related to gender expression and in 6 countries, participation in a same-sex act remains an executable offence.
LGBTQI+ representation among political decision-makers has been linked to greater protection, social inclusion, and equality for community members. The absence of their representation in politics is an institutional barrier to the protection and safeguarding of the human rights of the LGBTQI+ community.
The LI HRC has called upon the international community to increase representation and consultation of members from the LGBTQI+ community in political spaces, the adoption of policies against the introduction of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation, and stronger protections against violence and discrimination for LGBTQI+ individuals.
Liberal International is proud of its partnership with WorldPride and remains a dedicated advocate for the status of LGBTQI+ individuals in political spaces.
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