Close X
Wednesday, November 6, 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

    Obama Signs Major Overhaul Of Toxic Chemicals Rules Into Law

    WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has signed into law the first overhaul of toxic chemical rules in 40 years.

    Obama Signs Major Overhaul Of Toxic Chemicals Rules Into Law

    Have 'Successfully' Blocked India's Nuke Group NSG Bid: Pakistan

    Have 'Successfully' Blocked India's Nuke Group NSG Bid: Pakistan
    Pakistan has a strong case to gain NSG membership on merit and non-discriminatory basis, Mr Aziz said in a statement.

    Have 'Successfully' Blocked India's Nuke Group NSG Bid: Pakistan

    Girls Should Not Be Called 'Girls': UK Schools Told

    Girls Should Not Be Called 'Girls': UK Schools Told
    Leading single-sex private schools in the UK have been told not to use the words 'girls', 'young women' and 'young ladies' because they might offend pupils who are questioning their gender identity.

    Girls Should Not Be Called 'Girls': UK Schools Told

    India Always Tried To Maintain 'Hegemony' In South Asia: Pak

    India Always Tried To Maintain 'Hegemony' In South Asia: Pak
    Answering a question about Indo-Pak ties in an interview to Samaa TV, Mr Aziz said India has always tried to maintain its hegemony in the South Asia region.

    India Always Tried To Maintain 'Hegemony' In South Asia: Pak

    US Asks Nuke Club (NSG) To Support India's Membership At Key Meet In Seoul

    US Asks Nuke Club (NSG) To Support India's Membership At Key Meet In Seoul
    The US today asked the members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to consider and support India's application to join the grouping during their plenary meeting in Seoul beginning tomorrow.

    US Asks Nuke Club (NSG) To Support India's Membership At Key Meet In Seoul

    No Nation Can Fulfil Potential If Religious Freedom Denied: US

    No Nation Can Fulfil Potential If Religious Freedom Denied: US
    No nation can fulfil its potential if people are denied the right to practice freedom of religion, a top US official has said while underlining that upholding religious freedom remains a top priority for the Barack Obama administration.

    No Nation Can Fulfil Potential If Religious Freedom Denied: US