Human rights are universal, and each person should be able to enjoy theirs. International law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Furthermore, UN countries are not allowed to legislate against sexual relationships between consenting adults independently of their sexes because that would be a violation of their right to privacy. Similarly, laws banning ''cross-dressing'' amount to the infringement of fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention.
Nonetheless, the annual survey about sexual orientation laws published by ILGA world, an international LGBT+ association, had rather disappointing findings. 67 UN member states criminalise same-sex relationships, five UN member states may impose a death penalty, six UN member states do impose a death penalty for same-sex sexual acts (Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, 12 northern states of Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Yemen) and 43 UN member states put limits on freedom of expression and gender diversity. On the contrary, 28 UN member states have legalised same-sex marriage and 34 UN member states legally recognise same-sex partnerships.
However, despite the existence of various international laws that protect human rights, and therefore the rights of the LGBT+ population, laws that violate these rights still exist. According to reports made by the UN and other civil organizations, there are discriminatory laws that inhibit same-sex relationships and limit the freedom of speech and expression. LGBT+ people are also treated differently in workplaces, education, family place, and healthcare. Finally, they are often victims of physical and mental abuse, kidnap, rape and murder.
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the LBTQ+ people and their rights. There was an increase in hate crimes against them not only on social media but also in their houses. Because of the restriction of movement measures they were more exposed to family abuse which threatened their safety and mental health. Moreover, LGBT+ people are poorly represented so their needs were not efficiently met. The homeless people between them were put in social housing where there was a bigger risk of abuse. Furthermore, LGBT+ people statistically work in industries that were significantly affected by the pandemic, such as catering and retail.
The IE SOGI (United Nations Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity) suggested that states must take measures for the protection of the rights of the LGBT+ community. States are encouraged to adopt good practices, such as those adopted by Spain and Peru where financial support is available to LGBT+ people. In France, a homophobia report app was launched especially for the LGBT+ community, and in Pennsylvania, data on sexual orientation and gender identity were gathered during COVID studies to make sure the LGBT+ population needs were met when forming policy.
Correspondingly, the UK government committed 5.4 million to international LGBT+ programmes. In this way, the UK supported the Commonwealth Equality Project which seeks to reform legislation and the Commonwealth Equality Network which seeks to advance LGBT+ equality. The UK Aid Connect 2020 supported the ''Strong in Diversity, Bold in Inclusion'' programme which intends to improve the socio-economic circumstances in Africa. Furthermore, the conference ''Safe to be me'' is scheduled for June 2022 in London, which will be the first UK's international conference on LGBT+ rights.
To conclude, promoting LGBT+ rights is more important than ever. Whilst several countries have made a major effort to advance the quality of LGBT+ people lives by protecting their rights and satisfying their needs, inconceivably flawed policies are adopted around the world. Further measures should be taken globally in order to ensure the protection of human rights. Discriminatory policies should be largely criticized and every effort made which is advantageous to the protection of LGBT+ rights should serve as a paradigm.
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