Ending Violence and Criminal Sanctions Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Thursday 3rd March 2011

1:00 – 3:00pm

Palais des Nations, Room XXIV

"We must reject persecution of people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, who may be arrested, detained or executed for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. I understand that sexual orientation and gender identity raise sensitive cultural issues. But cultural practice cannot justify any violation of human rights. When our fellow humans are persecuted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, we must speak out. Human rights are human rights everywhere, for everyone."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon,
Special Address to Human Rights Council
25 January, 2011

Speakers:

• Kasha Jacqueline, Executive Director, Freedom and Roam Uganda
• Patrick Eba, Human Rights and Law Advisor, UNAIDS
• Manisha Dhakal, Blue Diamond Society, Nepal
• John Fisher, Co-Director, ARC International

And including a video statement by Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Moderated by:

Hassan Shire, Director, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, and

Julie de Rivero, Geneva Director, Human Rights Watch

Refreshments will be served.

Interpretation provided in English, French & Spanish