Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
38th Meeting of Third Committee, 28 October 2022
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity,
Mr. Victor Madrigal-Borloz
Statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
Delivered by H.E. Jörundur Valtýsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland.
First of all, we would like to reiterate our unwavering support to the Independent Expert’s crucial mandate and its importance within the UN human rights system.
The opening words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are clear: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” We must ensure that each person is able to enjoy their human rights, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics. This is also a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda, a key feature of which is the underlying principle and commitment of “leaving no one behind”.
Chair,
We welcome the Independent Expert’s report calling for greater awareness of how sexual orientation and gender identity dynamics operate in the context of armed conflict, and within peacebuilding and peacekeeping.
Over the past two decades our discussion on peace and security and armed conflicts has moved a long way, including with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. It is vital that the SOGI lens is brought to the context of armed conflict, and within peacebuilding and peacekeeping, as well as humanitarian assistance.
We are deeply concerned about violence and discrimination perpetrated worldwide by State and non-State actors based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and call on all States to create a safe, inclusive and enabling environment for the respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and equality for all.
Mr. Independent Expert,
We agree that more effective humanitarian assistance to and protection of LGBTI persons in context of armed conflict is needed. What steps would you advise States to take in order to ensure gender equality and the protection LGBTI-persons, including internally displaced and refugees?
I thank you.