Activists from around the world show how international law, domestic litigation, and apology/reparation helped improve gender and sexuality minority rights
From December 9-12, a new International Dialogue on gender and sexuality minorities rights takes place in India
Activists from around the world show how international law, domestic litigation, and apology/reparation helped improve gender and sexuality minority rights
Delhi, India, December 9th, 2018.-Ā
The time has come. Activists, scholars, and human rights defenders from across the world are meeting in Delhi, India, to join the International Dialogue āRising Through the Challenge: documenting and analysing best practices for advancing human rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) using the tools of international law, domestic litigation, and apology/reparationā.Ā
Around 70 participants from different regions have come to Delhi to share organizational experiences that have helped advance the rights of gender and sexuality minorities. The Dialogue aims at making those experiences inspire the work of many more. The Dialogue will enable activists to learn from each otherās experiences and strategies, as well as build transnational solidarity and alliances that will help us all navigate the challenges we face in our efforts to advance these rights.Ā
The Dialogue, organized by ARC International, in partnership with The Centre for Health Law, Ethics and Technology (CHLET) at Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, promises to be a special moment to analyse and discuss experiences and best practices to advance the rights of gender and sexuality minorities in cross-regional peer settings.Ā Ā
āCHLET is committed to facilitating dialogue among a diversity of stakeholders. CHLET envisions a society where the free exchange of ideas is protected, and aims to build solidarity networks among marginalised groups and individuals and allies. This conversation between activists and scholars from various countries will ensure knowledge exchange and strengthen these solidarity networks.ā – Dipika Jain
The place where the Dialogue will take place is not a coincidence. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment – NALSA v. Union of India – which recognized the right to self-determination of gender identity. A year ago, in 2018, the Supreme Court read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in Navtej Johar v. Union of India and marked a victory for a vibrant and vociferous LGBT movement, which for over 17 years had been demanding the repeal of Section 377.
As Victor Madrigal-Borloz, UN Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, puts it, āThe extraordinary judgement of the Supreme Court in India on Section 377 pointedly reminded others that the connection between freedom, dignity and the pursuit of happiness is a human conversation – not the patrimony of any given region or culture of the world. International dialogue, by definition, seeks to create spaces where ideas can meet, and dissent can be put to its best use: creating energy to move forward.ā
During four days, a diversity of stakeholders will will reflect on and analyse the ways in law, social transformation and the struggle for dignity and justice are linked. The space will allow them to share their experiences and best practices in apology/reparation, international law and/or domestic litigation.Ā
“The International Dialogues have a proven track record of strengthening capacity and forging strategic alliances across movements across the globe. We are extremely excited to work with our Indian partners to bring such an event to Delhi and learn from the amazing and successful work that has been happening in this region.” -Kim Vance-Mubanga
The Dialogue will also help document and publish the experiences and best practices so they may be shared and utilized by a broad range of global stakeholders.Ā
Kim Vance-Mubanga, ARC International
Dipika Jain, The Centre for Health Law, Ethics and Technology (CHLET) at Jindal Global Law SchoolĀ
This International Dialogue is being supported by:
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ARC International
Since 2003, ARC International has been advancing human rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). ARC plays a unique role in facilitating strategic planning around LGBTI issues internationally, strengthening global networks, providing research, analysis and tools for LGBTI and allied movements, and enhancing access to UN mechanisms. ARC has played a key role in the development of the Yogyakarta Principles and Yogyakarta Principles +10, on the application of International Human Rights Law in relation SOGIESC. ARC’s International Dialogues have brought together activists from around the world to share information, strategies and best practices. These strategic opportunities have been successfully hosted in Brazil, Geneva, Canada, South Korea, South Africa, Argentina, St. Lucia and Turkey.
CHLET
The Centre for Health Law, Ethics and Technology (CHLET) at Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, conducts legal research on contemporary questions of sexuality, gender, public policy and public health law. CHLET works at the intersection of gender, power, sexuality, law and society with the vision to influence law and policy through research and consultations. CHLET adopts a multidisciplinary approach and focuses particularly on sexual minority rights, gender minority rights, reproductive rights,Ā constitutional right to health and public health law. CHLET is in a unique position to focus on both theoretical and empirical study on global health law issues by building an academic as well as a civil society network, and by bridging the Global North and South. CHLET aims to use its position to engage in global-domestic research, dialogue, negotiation and, when necessary, the judicial system to achieve systemic reforms that advance social justice and equity in the many dimensions of health, sexuality and gender.
