The United Nations Human Rights Council today adopted the first-ever UN resolution on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador E. Rice said today’s vote marks a victory for defenders of human rights. She stated that it sends a clear message that abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity must end.
“It commissions the first-ever UN report to investigate the challenges that LGBT persons face. The United States took a leading role in the resolution’s adoption, and we pledge to continue to fight discrimination in any guise and embrace diversity in every form.”
– Ms. Rice
Ms. Rice stressed that the United States joined the UN Human Rights Council in 2009 to change a flawed institution from within through direct and sustained engagement. She added that the U.S. government has worked in the Council to shine the spotlight on human rights abusers, promote tolerance for religious beliefs, and mobilize international action against hate.
“We will continue to stand firm on behalf of all who are at risk of violence or discrimination. And we will continue to work to ensure that rights that are universally held are universally protected.”
– Ms. Rice