HRC44 - NB8 statement - IE on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity

7 July 2020

Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic & Baltic countries

Mdm. President,

I have the honour to deliver this intervention on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.

We thank the Independent Expert for his report and reiterate our strong support to his mandate and work. We condemn the continued existence of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity globally. We are of the firm belief that every individual has the right to be who they are and love who they want. This should not be a matter of controversy.

We welcome your focus on so-called “conversion therapy”, a disturbing practice that aims “to effect a change from non-heterosexual to heterosexual and from trans or gender diverse to cisgender”. The report provides critical information and analysis about this practice. We are concerned that it persists in all regions of the world, including our own.

It is a sad fact, that some still believe that sexual and gender diversity and expression is a disorder that can be corrected. And that human rights are not ensured for all. We remain committed to combat all violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and reject any practice that result in the violation of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender-diverse persons.

Mr. Madrigal-Borloz,

Could you elaborate on your recommendations by exemplifying measures taken by Member States to address the human rights concerns arising from “conversion therapy”?

Thank you.