blog page block - Blog Page Block
Vitit Muntarbhorn is Poised to Deliver as SOGI Independent Expert, but Community Engagement is Necessary
September 9, 2016| Contributed by Rashima Kwatra - OutRight Communications Officer
For many human rights activists and academics in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, Vitit Muntarbhorn is a well respected and recognizable name. Muntarbhorn, from Thailand, was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights Education in 2004 and has been active in engaging the United Nations special mandates system for decades.
Indonesia Is Not A Sharia Nation
September 9, 2016| Contributed by Grace Poore, Regional Program Coordinator for Asia, OutRight
In 2008, Indonesia passed the national Anti Pornography Law that for the first time, criminalized homosexuality and lesbianism as deviant sexual relations. Even with the passing of this law, the country as a whole had a moderate stance on issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Arguably, the term “LGBT” did not even register on the radar of the average Indonesian.
UNHRC President Announces Vitit Muntarbhorn as Proposed Candidate for SOGI Independent Expert Position
September 1, 2016| Contributed by OutRight
On 30 August 2016, the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) announced Vitit Muntarbhorn, from Thailand, as his chosen candidate for the Independent Expert on the “protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).”
What is the Southern African Development Community and Why is it Important to Include LGBTIQ Issues in the 36th SADC Summit?
August 19, 2016| Contributed by OutRight
The Southern African Development Community is an inter-governmental organization with 15 southern African member states. Its goal is to further socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among its members.
Shadow Report Outlines Concerns of Lesbians, Bisexual women, and Transgender Persons in the Philippines
August 1, 2016| Contributed by Grace Poore, Regional Program Coordinator for Asia, OutRight
This July in Geneva, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) reviewed the Philippines’ compliance with the CEDAW Convention--specifically the actions taken by the State to ensure advances in women's equality, including steps taken to address obstacles that hinder equality for vulnerable and marginalized women.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Independent Expert at UNHRC
July 27, 2016| Contributed by Sandra Herrera - Guest blogger
On June 30th, in Geneva, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution on “Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity”, to mandate the appointment of an Independent Expert on the subject.
Activists Can Apply Now for Advocacy Week 2016 -- Deadline is August 10th
July 19, 2016| Contributed by OutRight
We are excited to begin the process of gathering applications from international activists for the week-long event!
OutRight Attended Major Global LGBTI Rights Conference In Uruguay
July 17, 2016| Contributed by OutRight
The Montevideo 2016 LGBTI conference was the first global LGBTI rights conference to have taken place in Latin America. Jessica Stern, OutRight’s executive director and Kenita Placide, Caribbean Advisor at OutRight attended the conference that was organized by the governments of Uruguay and the Netherlands and the organizations Ovejas Negras (Uruguay) and CoC Netherlands.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Activist Tool - UN Voters Roll Call
July 10, 2016| Contributed by OutRight
During the 41st Meeting for 32nd Regular Session of Human Rights Council the following vote on draft resolution A/HRC/32/L.2/Rev.1 "Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity" submitted by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Uruguay was adopted. The vote count was:
Peru's New Political Climate Prompts Change for LGBT Rights
July 7, 2016| Contributed by Sandra Herrera - Guest blogger
The day after the Orlando shootings, the current Peruvian President, Mr. Ollanta Humala, tweeted his support to the US by expressing condolences and solidarity to President Obama and the American people and mentioning that these events should unite both countries in the fight against terrorism and hatred.
Africa: LGBTI Rights and the Power of the People
July 5, 2016| Contributed by Shehnilla Mohamed - Regional Program Coordinator for Africa
2015 was an unprecedented year for global decision-making, all of which have the potential to influence issues of human rights, poverty, inequality and development in Africa.
Sign On To Support the Lawyers Collective in India
June 22, 2016| Contributed by M.J. Moneymaker - Digital Comms Manager
Established in 1981, The Lawyers Collective is one of the leading public interest service providers in India with a proven record of setting high standards in human rights advocacy, legal aid and litigation. The Lawyers Collective is comprised of professional lawyers, law students and human rights activists.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2016
May 17, 2016| Contributed by Jessica Stern - Executive Director
Human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. It's a straightforward declaration. Humans have rights and they should extend to everyone. Still, worldwide, some 2.8 billion people live in the nearly 80 countries that criminalize same-sex activities. Criminalize. Rest on this a second.
Activist Self Care
May 11, 2016| Contributed by Laura Pirkl - Middle East and North Africa Program Intern for OutRight
We think it's good practice to review the value of self care for activists. We didn't include this topic in our Guatemala safety and security workshop, however, it was suggested by the activists in their questionnaire after the workshop that this topic should be addressed in future workshops.
Steps to Developing a Basic Security Plan
May 4, 2016| Contributed by Laura Pirkl - Middle East and North Africa Program Intern for OutRight
As a continuation of our series about OutRight’s safety and security workshops, we’ll discuss where to start when developing a basic security plan. Please note, this post is not an exhaustive list. It is meant to be mixed and matched with other materials being shared online. The following is a starting point for any organization or individual in the beginning stages of creating a security plan.