Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
International

India Abstains As United Nations Creates LGBT Rights Watchdog

IANS, 01 Jul, 2016 12:24 PM
    India has abstained at the UN Human Rights Council voting in Geneva to appoint an independent expert to look into cases of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, a resolution which was passed by a narrow margin.
     
    In a 23-18 vote with six abstentions, the 47-member Human Rights Council yesterday called for the creation of a three-year position for an independent expert to look into wrongdoing against gays, lesbians and transgender people.
     
    Defending India's decision, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup in New Delhi said India took the decision considering the "legal" reality in the country.
     
    "The issue of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) rights in India is a matter being considered by the Supreme Court under a batch of curative petitions filed by various institutions and organisations. The SC is yet to pronounce on this issue," he said.
     
    "As such we had to take this into account in terms of our vote on the UN resolution to institutionalise the office of an independent expert to prevent discrimination against the LGBT persons," Mr Swarup told reporters.
     
    The expert is expected to be appointed at the next meeting of the Geneva-based body in September.
     
    The resolution was strongly supported by Latin America and the West, while many African and Middle Eastern countries joined China to vote against it.
     
    The expert's duties will include assessing international human rights laws, raising awareness of violence based on sexual orientation and engaging in dialogue with member states and other stakeholders.
     
    The decision to create the post comes weeks after Afghan-origin Omar Mateen massacred 49 people at a gay bar in Orlando, Florida.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Pakistan Slams Donald Trump On Release Of 'CIA Doctor' Shakil Afridi

    Shakil Afridi, who is known in Pakistan as a CIA doctor and has been described as a hero in the US, is serving a 33-year-long jail term for treason.

    Pakistan Slams Donald Trump On Release Of 'CIA Doctor' Shakil Afridi

    The Sikh Project: Sikh Art Exhibit To Spread Awareness About Identity In US

    The Sikh Project: Sikh Art Exhibit To Spread Awareness About Identity In US
    UK-based photographers Amit and Naroop will click portraits of Sikh Americans under "The Sikh Project" mounted by The Sikh Coalition. These protraits will be unveiled around the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

    The Sikh Project: Sikh Art Exhibit To Spread Awareness About Identity In US

    Watch: Justin Trudeau Joke In Obama's Last White House Correspondents' Dinner Roast

    Watch: Justin Trudeau Joke In Obama's Last White House Correspondents' Dinner Roast
    WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama squeezed in a Justin Trudeau joke at his final White House Correspondents' Dinner roast. 

    Watch: Justin Trudeau Joke In Obama's Last White House Correspondents' Dinner Roast

    Hindu Tailor Hacked To Death By ISIS Militants In Bangladesh

    Hindu Tailor Hacked To Death By ISIS Militants In Bangladesh
    Nikhil Chandra Joarder, 50, a resident of the Dubail village under Gopalpur upazila of the Tangail district, was hacked to death this afternoon.

    Hindu Tailor Hacked To Death By ISIS Militants In Bangladesh

    Canadian-funded Health Centre In Syria Destroyed, Says Aid Agency

    Canadian-funded Health Centre In Syria Destroyed, Says Aid Agency
    OTTAWA — An aid agency says a Canadian-funded hospital in Syria has been destroyed.

    Canadian-funded Health Centre In Syria Destroyed, Says Aid Agency

    Former 'West Wing' Star Greets White House Reporters

    Former 'West Wing' Star Greets White House Reporters
    Janney won four Emmy Awards playing C.J. Cregg and now stars on "Mom," for which she also won an Emmy.

    Former 'West Wing' Star Greets White House Reporters