Remarks at a Meeting of the Third Committee on a Briefing by the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual

Sofija Korac
ECOSOC Advisor
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
October 25, 2018

AS DELIVERED

The United States strongly opposes bias-motivated violence against LGBTI persons, the criminalization of LGBTI status or conduct, and discrimination against LGBTI persons in matters such as employment, housing, healthcare, and access to government services.

We welcome the report of the Independent Expert and its focus on ending violence.

The United States will continue to stand up for the human rights of all persons. Dignity and equality are not only core American values enshrined in our Constitution, they underpin the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms we all seek to protect and advance.

What steps has the SR taken to discuss with Russia government the situation of violence, deaths, beatings, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances against LGBTI or suspected LGBTI persons in Chechnya last year?