Chairperson
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the UN LGBTI Core Group, an informal cross-reginal group established in 2008.
The overarching goal of the UN LGBTI Core Group in New York is to work within the United Nations framework to ensure universal respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, specifically lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, with a particular focus on protection from violence and discrimination.
LGBTI persons with disabilities often experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, face stigma and suffer violence based on both their sexual orientation or gender identity as well as their disability. For example, for LGBTI persons with disabilities, schools can be places that are unsafe due to harassment and bullying. Access to health services can be discriminatory leading individuals to avoid seeking healthcare, resulting in unmet health needs and greater health risks. Adverse economic outcomes are also more prevalent due to lower earnings, earning less for the same work or underemployment or unemployment. This kind of discrimination often denies LGBTI persons and people with disabilities the opportunities that others enjoy in their daily life.
Violence against LGBTI persons with disabilities is an alarming global concern. This violence, which can take various forms, including physical, sexual, gender-based, psychological and economic abuse, is underreported and frequently goes unaddressed by both authorities and society at large. The compounded and persistent stereotypes that persons with disabilities experience in society at large opens them up to experience cycles of violence and discrimination, leaving survivors without recourse and reinforcing systemic oppression.
These are troubling trends and together we need to make our societies inclusive and safe. To uphold the human rights of all LGBTI persons with disabilities, we must adopt holistic and human rights-based approaches to their health, safety and well-being.
It is important to keep this in mind as we approach the World Social Summit. It is crucial that we work together to ensure the full, equal and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities and that are also members of the LGBTI community.
In conclusion, our commitment to all persons with disabilities, including LGBTI persons with disabilities is resolute. We call on states to take concrete actions in law, policy and practice to better promote and protect the rights of LGBTI persons with disabilities from the unique threats of discrimination and violence they face every day.
Thank you.