Jason Mack
Counselor
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
October 24, 2019
AS DELIVERED
Independent Expert, thank you for your report.
In joining the statement by the UN LGBTI Core Group on October 18, the United States highlighted its commitment to the dignity and equal protection of LGBTI persons under each nation’s domestic laws. The United States strongly supports eradicating violence against LGBTI persons, and particularly urges an end to the criminalization of consensual same-sex behavior between adults.
The Statement also addresses protecting LGBTI persons from discrimination. The United States recognizes that the use of the term “discrimination” without a definition is subject to broad-ranging interpretations, and we would welcome a further discussion on that topic. The United States would also welcome a concerted and sustained effort to eliminate systematic barriers that restrict the ability of LGBTI persons to access essential goods and services.
Around the world, LGBTI persons are subjected to violence and bias-motived crime. All governments should seek to ensure equal protection of every person’s fundamental freedoms. No government should support or encourage hostility directed at LGBTI persons under any circumstances.
The underreporting of violence and serious discrimination is deeply concerning. Comprehensive and accurate data collection is essential to formulating policy and to holding officials and others accountable for behavior inconsistent with the equal rights and status of LGBTI persons.
Mr. Madrigal-Borloz, what strategies can countries implement to improve data collection on violence directed against members of the LGBTI community?
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