UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

59^th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on SOGI

20 June 2025

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the Independent Expert for his timely presentation. 

We continue to strongly oppose and step up action to combat all forms of discrimination with a specific attention to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. The EU reaffirms its strong commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by all LGBTI persons.

We are deeply concerned that sexual orientation and gender identity are being used to justify human rights violations and about the alarming rates of violence, discrimination, and stigmatization against LGBTI persons around the world. Those who are forcibly displaced often face challenges at multiple levels, in countries of origin, during transit, and even upon arrival in host countries.

We strongly condemn all forms of violence, discrimination, and harassment against LGBTI persons, including discriminatory laws, policies and practices, as well as hate speech and hate crimes. We reject all forms of incitement to violence, online and offline. The findings in your report are deeply troubling, including that 65 states still criminalize consenting same-sex relations, with a few still imposing even the death penalty. Such criminalisation of consenting same-sex relations violates international human rights law. Universal decriminalisation must remain a priority. We also call for a worldwide end to, and prevention of, any form of violence against LGBTI persons.

Under EU legislation, LGBTI persons persecuted in their country of origin are explicitly recognised among those who can be eligible for international protection within the EU. It also requires that asylum interviews and assessments respect applicants’ sexual orientation and gender identity as well as the setting up of national independent mechanisms to ensure compliance with applicants' fundamental rights. Guidance has been developed to improve the assessment of asylum claims by LGBTI persons and to ensure appropriate reception conditions. Also, the European Commission 2021-2027 action plan on integration and inclusion aims to build synergies with the current European Commission LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 which includes actions to uphold the rights of LGBTI applicants for international protection.

Independent Expert,

What good practices would you highlight in ensuring protection for forcibly displaced LGBTI persons? 

Thank you.