For Immediate Release
Physicians for Human Rights applauds the UN's recent decision to accredit the US-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.
"President Obama was correct when he characterized the UN's recognition of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission as an important step forward for human rights," said Physicians for Human Rights CEO Frank Donaghue. "Around the world, the LGBT community is at heightened risk because of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. More than 80 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex intimacy, and in the worst cases, the LGBT population is attacked, tortured, and even murdered. Simply put, protecting people's health is the first step in to protecting human rights."
"At PHR, we've seen that solutions to complex, seemingly intractable problems such as the AIDS epidemic require the participation of those who best understand their own needs. By recognizing the IGLHRC, the UN has given them a critical place at the table where they can push for accountability, non-discrimination in health care and a continued focus on marginalized populations. However, this is only a start-of the some 3,000 NGOs granted consultative status, only ten focus primarily on LGBT rights."
"We also commend the Obama Administration for pushing the UN to recognize the IGLHRC. In 2009, the President responded to our collective call to drop the HIV Travel Ban, which had barred those who tested positive for HIV/AIDs from entering the US. By supporting the accreditation of the IGLHRC, he's continuing to promote our nation's commitment to fairness and inclusion. Thanks are due as well to the 14 members of Congress, including Representative Barney Frank (MA), who called upon the UN to approve IGLHRC's application."
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.