HC Statement on the launch of the Yogyakarta Principles

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Next year we will celibrate the 60^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – an occasion that provides an ideal opportunity to recall the core human rights principles of equality, universality and non-discrimination. Human rights principles, by definition, apply to all of us, simply by virtue of having been born human. Just as it would be unthinkable to excluse some from their protection on the basis of race, religion, or social status, so too must we reject any attempt to do so on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Yogyakarta Principles are a timely reminder of these basic tenets.

Exclusing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons from equal protection violated international human rights law as well as the common standards of humanity that define us all. Importantly, States have a legal obligation to investigate and prosecute all instances of violence and abuse with respect to every person under their jurisdiction. And, in my view, respect for cultural diversity is insufficient to justify the existence of laws that violate the fundamental right to life, security and privacy by criminalising harmless private relations between consenting adults.

As such, I wish to reiterate the firm commitment of my Office to promote and protect the human rights of all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Thank you.