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EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert for the Protection Against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Mr Graeme Reid

17.10.2026
New York

16 October 2026, New York – European Union Statement at the United Nations General Assembly 81st Session Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert for the Protection Against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Mr Graeme Reid

 

Thank you, Chair.

 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. We thank the Independent Expert for his important work, the present report and its recommendations.

Addressing and documenting violence, discrimination, stigmatisation, harassment and exclusion based on sexual orientation and gender identity in humanitarian settings is critical to ensure that assistance and protection are afforded equally to all who need it. The EU reaffirms its strong support for your mandate and calls on all Members States to cooperate with it.

You highlight how LGBTI persons face heightened and specific risks in humanitarian crises because of pre‑existing discrimination, and the way the humanitarian aid system is organised. You conclude that this excludes them from life‑saving assistance and protection. The report shows that LGBTI persons often avoid engaging with aid mechanisms because they anticipate hostility, or are affected by political restrictions which undermine access to essential services.

We agree with you that, “institutional exclusion arises where humanitarian organizations refrain from engaging with LGBT persons because of perceived operational risks, including assumed risks to LGBT people themselves,”. You also note that in criminalizing or repressive contexts, organizations “avoid identifying LGBT persons in programming or discussing their concerns, which prevents the trust-building necessary for safe access to assistance before crises occur.”

We agree with your recommendations on how to respond to these trends and highlights good practice in this regard, such as:

  • adapting systems to remove barriers and better recognise LGBTI persons,

  • establishing confidential referral and complaint mechanisms, and

  • working with LGBTI‑led organisations as key partners in humanitarian response.

The EU reaffirms its strong commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by LGBTI persons, including in humanitarian contexts.

The EU remains committed to advancing humanitarian responses which are inclusive, impartial and firmly grounded in human rights, and to ensuring that all affected persons are protected from any form of violence, discrimination, stigmatisation, harassment, or exclusion.

Independent Expert,

Which accountability mechanisms and forms of engagement with local partners do you consider most effective to ensure that LGBTI persons can safely access protection and assistance, especially in contexts where laws or social attitudes are hostile to their rights?

Thank you.