UN expert to assess violence and discrimination against LGBT
UN expert to assess violence and discrimination against
LGBT people in Argentina
GENEVA / BUENOS AIRES (24 February 2017) – United Nations human rights expert Vitit Muntarbhorn is to make the first visit of its kind to Argentina to assess progress made towards eliminating violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country.
Mr. Muntarbhorn, the first Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity designated by the UN Human Rights Council, will investigate different forms of violence and discrimination.
“I am particularly interested in legislative reforms and policies that have been implemented in Argentina to protect people targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to create an inclusive environment,” he said.
The expert will arrive in Buenos Aires on 1 March for his ten-day visit and will meet with representatives of both federal and at provincial governments, as well as individuals and civil society organisations working on issues related to the rights of LGBT people in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Mendoza.
“The visit will allow me to identify not only good practices but also issues for which I will provide concrete recommendations to fight violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” Mr. Muntarbhorn said.
A news conference to share the expert’s preliminary findings will be held on Friday 10 March at 12:30 at the UN Information Center, Junín 1940, first floor, 1113 Buenos Aires. Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.
Mr Muntarbhorn will also present his findings at a future session of the Human Rights Council.
ENDS