December 10, 2008
INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
International: Take Action for Human Rights
Dear Friends:
Today marks the 60th Anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal
Declaration expresses a fundamental political and
moral consensus about the value of being human, and
the respect and dignity each of us is entitled to receive
from our governments. The Declaration itself is not a
binding legal document, but rather a statement of
values cherished by most: the rights to liberty and
equality for all people; the aspiration of all to live in a
world of peace and security; the agreement that
torturing and arresting another human being simply
because of who they are or what they believe is
repulsive, and incompatible with the Declaration's
promotion of respect for human dignity as a mandate
for all.
In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly
consisted of 56 countries. When they voted 48-0 to
ratify the Universal Declaration (8 abstained), few
could have imagined the impact it would have on the
lives of sexual minorities around the world. Yet, it has
profoundly shaped the context and ability of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people and all
sexual minorities to make our claims to for freedom.
Recounting all of the progress made by LGBT
people over the last 60 years is, fortunately, well
beyond a brief call to action. Suffice it to say that 60
years ago, only a handful of identifiable groups that we
now categorize as "LGBT" existed - and only one,
Centre for Culture and Leisure (COC) from the
Netherlands - continues today with its work. Today,
thousands of LGBT rights, social and service groups
exist to promote and support an increasingly visible
global movement. Brazil alone has more than 300
LGBT-focused organizations and grassroots groups.
Collectively we have changed the laws and
policies of thousands of national and local
governments, held public demonstrations in
innumerable cities and towns, and made our mark in
some way on nearly all nations of the world. These
powerful changes have transcended any one region or
continent. And our mark has been made at the United
Nations itself, where countries such as Brazil, France,
Norway, New Zealand, and others have taken
leadership in moving human rights discussions to the
realm of sexuality and gender. Slowly, but quite surely,
other nations are joining the call for LGBT equality.
And, in November 2006, LGBT people acquired our
own foundational document, referred to as the
Yogyakarta Principles - a document that compiles the
specific rights to which LGBT people are already
entitled under international law. The right to be free
from arrest and detention simply because of our
sexual orientation or gender identity. The right to
police protection when we are abused. The right to an
education and an educational environment free of
homophobia. The right to a job that fits our skills and
talents, rather than being cast into stereotypic trades or
no job at all. The right to health care and treatment that
addresses our unique needs. The right to equality.
The right to speak our minds and to object to policies
and government decrees that harm us. The right to
dignity and respect.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission works day to day with LGBT groups and
allies around the world to make the promises of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights a reality. We
know there is still so much to be done, and that the
price of our visibility is, predictably, a backlash of
violence and oppression.
But we also know and believe in two fundamental
realities: First, the world will continue to change,
bringing greater respect for our lives and contributions
to society. And, second, that no single organization or
person can do it alone. We rely on and need collective
action and the support of each other.
So today, if you have not already, take another step
toward making the promise of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights a reality:
- Send a note of your support to a group half way
around the world.
- Join IGLHRC's action alert list, or the action alert
list of another human rights group of your choice, and
write those emails and letters to support our
community in times of crisis.
- Make a financial contribution to an LGBT
group.
In the coming week or so, the French government
will submit a statement to the UN General Assembly
(now comprising 192 member states) condemning
criminalization of homosexuality and discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. If
your government has signed on to the initiative (look
out for an update on the IGLHRC website next week),
write to thank them for that support. If they have not
(the US has still not signed on), write to demand to
know why.
There are many, many other ways to move us all
forward. The point is to do more.
And, if we all commit today to take yet another step,
there is no doubt that next year - when we
commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Declaration
and the 3rd anniversary of the Yogykarta Principles, we
will see that we have, collectively, brought the world
one step closer to freedom and dignity for LGBT
people. Of this I am certain.
Paula L. Ettelbrick
Executive Director
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission
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The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is a leading human rights organization solely devoted to improving the rights of people around the world who are targeted for imprisonment, abuse or death because of their sexuality, gender identity or HIV/AIDS status. IGLHRC addresses human rights violations by partnering with and supporting activists in countries around the world, monitoring and documenting human rights abuses, engaging offending governments, and educating international human rights officials. A non-profit, non-governmental organization, IGLHRC is based in New York, with offices in Cape Town and Buenos Aires. Visit http://www.iglhrc.org for more information
Reproduced with permission - "INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (IGLHRC)"
INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (IGLHRC)
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