The Yogyakarta Principles are a set of principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. They promise a different future where all people born free and equal in dignity and rights can fulfil that precious birthright.
The Yogyakarta Principles were developed and unanimously adopted in 2006 by a distinguished group of human rights experts, from diverse regions and backgrounds, including judges, academics, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Procedures, members of treaty bodies, NGOs and others.
Ten years after, a set of new principles on international human rights law relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) —released by a group of 33 international human rights experts—charts a way forward for both the United Nations, governments, and other stakeholders to re-affirm their commitment to universal human rights.
These Principles are an invaluable tool for activists working on sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and affirm binding international legal standards with which all States must comply.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Principles, a group of international experts and civil society partners are working on how the Yogyakarta Principles should be supplemented to reflect developments in and the current state of international human rights law with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.
The full text of the Yogyakarta Principles, in all 6 UN languages, may be found here.
An Activist’s Guide to the Yogyakarta Principles has also been developed, and is available for download here. This guide is designed to assist activists around the world in drawing upon the Yogyakarta Principles to advance LGBTI rights.
The Yogyakarta Principles in Action site is maintained by ARC International and tracks uses of the Yogyakarta Principles.