What are gender-diverse populations?
Gender-diverse populations refer to people who identify with genders outside of the binary of male and female, such as nonbinary, agender, genderqueer, bigender, and others. These identities may be expressed through dress, hairstyle, body modifications, and language. Gender diversity is a concept that recognizes the vast array of ways that individuals can express their gender identity beyond traditional societal expectations.
Why are international human rights treaties necessary for protecting gender-diverse populations?
International human rights treaties provide protection against discrimination based on gender identity and expression, which allows gender-diverse populations to live freely and openly without fear of persecution or violence. Treaties also ensure access to healthcare, education, employment, housing, and other basic necessities. They provide legal recourse when these rights are violated, enabling individuals to seek justice and redress for any harm they have suffered.
How do international human rights treaties address gender identity and expression?
Many treaties include protections for individuals against discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that everyone has the right "to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice." Similarly, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." These provisions protect the right to self-expression and identity, including gender identity and expression.
What specific actions are taken by international organizations to protect gender-diverse populations?
International organizations take several steps to protect gender-diverse populations, such as issuing guidelines and recommendations to governments, conducting research studies, organizing events to raise awareness, advocating for policy changes, providing training and support, and collaborating with civil society groups. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression has called for greater efforts to combat hate speech targeted at gender-diverse populations, while the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA) monitors laws, policies, and practices related to LGBTI rights around the world.
Many countries have established specialized commissions or offices dedicated to advancing LGBTI equality, such as the National Center for Transgender Equality in the United States.
How do international human rights treaties protect gender-diverse populations?
The United Nations Charter of Human Rights (1948) defines all human beings as equal regardless of their gender identity. It provides for the right to freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender expression. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965) also guarantees equality before the law for transgender individuals.