From the UN: "Equal rights for everyone, whomever they love"
Equal rights for everyone, whomever they love
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has renewed her call for States to confront prejudice towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) persons.
In a new video message, Pillay talks about recent violent attacks against LGBT people in Brazil, Honduras, South Africa and, the United States, stressing that such incidents are not isolated but part of a global problem. The video is available in English with, optionally, French or Spanish subtitles.
“Ultimately, homophobia and transphobia are no different to sexism, misogyny, racism or xenophobia”, Pillay notes, “but whereas these last forms of prejudice are universally condemned by governments, homophobia and transphobia are too often overlooked.”
Equality and non-discrimination are core, non-negotiable human rights principles. “No one is entitled to treat a group of people as less valuable, less deserving or less worthy of respect. Each and every one of us is entitled to the same rights, to the same respect and ethical treatment, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity”, she says.
In an appeal for greater tolerance, the High Commissioner asks those opposed to equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people to think again. Governments have a role to play in encouraging a shift in public attitudes, she says, “In this and in other areas, prejudice and bigotry are no match for information and education”.
The High Commissioner’s video message comes ahead of May 17 — the date when many human rights activists, national governments and local authorities mark the International Day Against Homophobia.
United Nations UN Secretary General appeals for States to decriminalise same-sex relationships In connection with the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on States to tackle violence against LGBT people, decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships, ban discrimination and educate the public
From UN press-room
In connection with the Day, a UN spokesperson said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on States to tackle violence against LGBT people, decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships, ban discrimination and educate the public – and he “supports the High (...)
United Nations UNDP director marks IDAHO INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA
MESSAGE BY UNDP ADMINISTRATOR, HELEN CLARK
17 MAY 2012
Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). It commemorates the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. That was indeed a milestone, and since then there has been much progress. Last year, the Human Rights Council passed their first resolution ever on “Human rights, sexual orientation (...)
United Nations Media Release : World Health Organisation releases groundbreaking report condemning ’conversion’ therapies From Pan American Health Organisation
Washington, D.C., 17 May 2012 (PAHO/WHO) — Services that purport to "cure" people with non-heterosexual sexual orientation lack medical justification and represent a serious threat to the health and well-being of affected people, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said in a position statement launched on 17 May, the International Day against Homophobia. The statement calls on governments, academic institutions, professional associations and the (...)
United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay issues video ahead of IDAHO
The two-minute video features High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay talking about the human cost of homophobia and transphobia and the struggle for equal rights.
Calling for the repeal of discriminatory laws and banning of discriminatory practices, the High Commissioner calls on States to “punish violence and hatred, not love.”
United Nations-Education UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon speaks out against Homophobic bullying During a round table discussion in New York on Dec 8th, 2011, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon affirmed that homophobic bullying of young people constitutes a “grave violation of human rights,” and urged States to take the necessary measures to protect their citizens from violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
From UN report:
“Bullying of this kind is not restricted to a few countries but goes on in schools and local communities in all parts of (...)
In connection with the Day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on States to tackle violence against LGBT people, decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships, ban discrimination and educate the public
From UN press-room
In connection with the Day, a UN spokesperson said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on States to tackle violence against LGBT people, decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships, ban discrimination and educate the public – and he “supports the High (...) 
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA
MESSAGE BY UNDP ADMINISTRATOR, HELEN CLARK
17 MAY 2012
Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). It commemorates the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. That was indeed a milestone, and since then there has been much progress. Last year, the Human Rights Council passed their first resolution ever on “Human rights, sexual orientation (...) 
From Pan American Health Organisation
Washington, D.C., 17 May 2012 (PAHO/WHO) — Services that purport to "cure" people with non-heterosexual sexual orientation lack medical justification and represent a serious threat to the health and well-being of affected people, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said in a position statement launched on 17 May, the International Day against Homophobia. The statement calls on governments, academic institutions, professional associations and the (...) 
During a round table discussion in New York on Dec 8th, 2011, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon affirmed that homophobic bullying of young people constitutes a “grave violation of human rights,” and urged States to take the necessary measures to protect their citizens from violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
From UN report:
“Bullying of this kind is not restricted to a few countries but goes on in schools and local communities in all parts of (...) 
