Respect for the fundamental rights of LGBT+ persons: progress and challenges

On Friday 3 October (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CEST), join a side event at the 60th UN Human Rights Council to learn more about the progress made in different regions of the world to prevent and eliminate discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Date: Friday 3 October 2025
Time: 12:00-13:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST) – Find your time zone
Location: Palais des Nations, United Nations, Geneva (Concordia I Room)
Language: English

The event is co-organised by ILGA World, Stop Homophobie, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of France, Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia.

During the last years, important positive developments have taken place at national, regional, and global levels to prevent and eliminate discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Some countries have decriminalised consensual same-sex sexual acts, and others have adopted comprehensive measures to prohibit discrimination, promote equality and inclusion – including by recognising marriage equality and rainbow families, prohibiting ‘conversion therapy’, and more. Civil society worldwide has also achieved a significant victory with the creation and the renewals of the United Nations mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Despite the progress nonetheless, however, we are also witnessing attempts to reinforce or implement discriminatory legislation, policies, and practices, together with an increase in hate speech and hate crimes, all the while governments are actively shrinking spaces for civil society.

This side event will increase awareness on progress made across the world, identify persistent challenges towards meaningful equality and what roles can UN mechanisms play in achieving it.

Panellists will also share recommendations on practical actions that States, international organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders can take to ensure that LGBTI persons can fully enjoy their human rights.

Speakers

• Francisca E. Méndez Escobar, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office
• Jean-Marc Berthon, Ambassador for the Rights of LGBT+ Persons (France)
• Jorge A. Noval Álvarez, Ambassador for the Rights of LGBT+ Persons (Spain)
• Hannah Wu, Section Chief on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Gurchaten Sandhu, Director of Programmes, ILGA Word
• Etienne Deshoulières, STOP Homophobie