define('DISALLOW_FILE_MODS',true); Press releases

Press releases

Commission on the Status of Women Press releases 

#CSW65: what was won, what is pending

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The 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the foremost intergovernmental body dedicated to gender equality, came to a close on Friday, 26 March 2021, after negotiations on the text of the agreed conclusions stretched into the final day of the conference. 
The Women’s Rights Caucus (WRC)—a global coalition of more than 200 feminist organizations, networks, and collectives that advocates for gender equality at the United Nations— welcomes the adoption of the Agreed Conclusions and the renewal of a global commitment to achieving inclusive gender equality. The consensus shows multilateral support to advance the human rights of all women and girls.
Despite pushback from regressive governments, WRC welcomes several key areas of progress.

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International Dialogues Press releases 

Activists from around the world show how international law, domestic litigation, and apology/reparation helped improve gender and sexuality minority rights

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The time has come. Activists, scholars, and human rights defenders from across the world are meeting in Delhi, India, to join the International Dialogue “Rising 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/reparation”. 
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.

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General Assembly Press releases 

No Challenge in UN Third Committee on the Renewal of Independent Expert on SOGI

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The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution presenting the Annual Report of the Human Rights Council today without challenge to the extension of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI).
In 2016 when the mandate was created, an amendment challenging it was tabled at  the Third Committee. This year, a record-high number of States supported the renewal of the mandate at the Human Rights Council in July, and the mandate was not challenged in the Third Committee. This is a clear indication that the international community is becoming both more aware and less tolerant of violence and discrimination on the basis of SOGI.

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Human Rights Council Press releases Special Procedures 

UN renews crucial mandate for protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

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In a defining vote, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert focusing on the protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of  sexual orientation and gender identity.
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 27 in favor, with 7 voting against and 12 abstentions.
The campaign calling on the Council to renew the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on SOGI was supported by 1,312 non-governmental organizations from 174 States and territories.
“This is another historic victory, not only for communities of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, but for humanity as a whole.”

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News Press releases 

Canadian Civil Society Organizations Welcome New Commitment from Government of Canada to Support LGBTI Rights Globally following the Equal Rights Coalition Global Conference in Vancouver

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Following a number of advances, promising conversations, and advocacy by the Dignity Network, the Government of Canada has committed, both financially and through concrete actions, to strengthen human rights protections for #LGBTI people around the world. “Canada’s announcement is a welcome step forward but more is needed and Canada is certainly capable of more. We continue to press Canada to both assert and demonstrate leadership with respect to LGBTI rights around the world, through concrete and bold action,”said Kim Vance, EDof ARC International, a Dignity Network Steering Committee member.

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