Joint Nordic-Baltic Statement: Interactive Dialogue on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Statement by H.E. Ms. Anna Johannsdottir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries
General Assembly 79th session, Third Committee, 40nd Plenary Meeting
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation
and Gender Identity, Mr. Graeme Reid
Thank you, Chair,
I speak on behalf of the eight Nordic and Baltic states.
We thank the Independent Expert for his report and reiterate our unwavering support to his crucial mandate.
We must ensure that each and every person is able to fully enjoy their human rights, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics.
Chair,
Human rights related to the electoral participation of LGBTQI+ persons continue to be violated in a myriad of ways, limiting their full, equal and meaningful participation in electoral processes. Equal democratic participation of all individuals, including LGBTQI+ persons, is essential.
Obstacles caused by violence, incitement to violence, hate speech and derogatory rhetoric directed towards LGBTQI+ persons are particularly concerning.
The use of discriminatory and violence-inducing rhetoric must not be normalised in campaigns or elections. States must take measures to ensure that LGBTQI+ persons are protected, and their democratic rights ensured.
Independent Expert,
Your report identifies violence, and threat thereof, as the most prominent obstacle to electoral participation.
What steps should states take to combat violence, including technology facilitated GBV, against LGBTQI+ persons in the context of campaigns and elections?
Thank you.