In response to the call made by the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity of the United Nations, Graeme Reid, members of the Network worked on a contribution for their next “Report on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, in relation to the human rights to freedom of expression, association and meeting which will be presented by the Rapporteur at the 56th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The Iguales Panama Foundation and Anderson Javiel Dirocie De León, members of the network, together with the technical secretariat, prepared the report in which they made known the context of lack of protection, criminalization and stigma against LGBTI+ people in Latin America and the Caribbean and its impact on the exercise of freedom of expression, association and meeting; censorship strategies on issues of sexual and gender diversity; the obstacles organizations face in registering, operation and financing, and the effects on freedom of expression and assembly in the digital sphere.
The contribution shows the worrying absence of state protection, as well as the criminalization and stigma that end up generating a discouraging effect to exercise the rights to freedom of expression, meeting and association by LGBTI+ people. In addition, Attention is drawn to the actions of non-state actors (companies, armed groups, anti-rights movements, etc.) that hinder the exercise of these rights, without the State facing them or seeking accountability and reparation in favor of the victims. On the contrary, when these cases are brought to the attention of the justice system, permeated by prejudices, re-victimizing experiences are generated that perpetuate impunity and accentuate distrust in institutions.
In addition, Emphasis was placed on strategies at the national and regional level promoted by anti-rights movements that promote attacks on any state regulations or policies that address issues of sexual diversity or include the gender perspective.. The document also stated the different barriers that LGBTI+ organizations face in achieving legal status., operate and receive financing. Finally, The impact of the dissemination of hate speech in the digital space against LGBTI+ people was pointed out in the absence of effective responses from States and digital platforms..
We hope that the information provided will be useful for the report on which the Independent Expert is working., including proposed recommendations. We reaffirm our commitment to actively participate in legal advocacy to help improve standards of rights protection for LGBTI+ people in the Americas and the world..
You can read the contribution at the following link: Descargar
