Iceland and Nepal have joined the UN LGBTI Core Group, bringing members to a total of 31 states and the delegation of the European Union. Nepal is the second country in Asia to become part of the group.
The UN LGBTI Core Group is an informal cross-regional organisation working to mainstream LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout UN mechanisms and processes at the UN headquarters in New York. It was established in 2008 and is currently co-chaired by Argentina and The Netherlands.
OutRight Action International serves as the group’s secretariat, coordinating with co-chairs on the workings of the group, including the organisation of statements and events.
Each year the group hosts a number of high-level events coinciding with the UN calendar, tackling a variety of topics about LGBTQ+ inclusion. It also works year-round with member states not part of the Core Group to promote progress for LGBTQ+ equality.
Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, said: ‘The significance of Nepal and Iceland joining the UN LGBTI Core Group right now is tremendous. The Covid-19 pandemic has a devastating effect on LGBTQ+ people.
‘In numerous countries we are being scapegoated for the crisis; in others our hard-fought human rights are backsliding. By joining the group at this moment, Nepal and Iceland send a powerful message – that our rights and our lives cannot be overlooked at any time, particularly not during a crisis.’
The UN LGBTIQ Core Group, including its newest members, will be hosting an event marking International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Monday, May 18.
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