We thank the Independent Expert for his important work shining a light on the lived realities of so many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and the continued threats of violence and discrimination they face. We commend states, who, like Australia, supported the renewal of the Independent Expert’s important mandate.

We call on all states to repeal laws that criminalise persons on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, with urgent attention on abolishing the death penalty.  LGBTI persons are specifically targeted for capital punishment under penal codes across eleven states for being who they are. This is simply unacceptable.

Legal reform should not end with decriminalisation and repealing the death penalty. Other laws and institutional practices in employment, education, health and political governance also entrench discrimination, social stigma and prejudice, creating a climate where hate speech, hate crimes and exclusion flourish. We call on all states to improve laws and public services that intentionally or unintentionally discriminate against LGBTI persons.

We ask, in what ways can states reform laws to ensure non-discrimination and strengthen equal rights for, and interests of, LGBTI persons?