Geneva - September 23, 2014 A revised version of the SOGI resolution was tabled today by the co-sponsors (see attached). The key change was the loss of a requirement for systematized reporting “every two years” by the OHCHR, leaving simply a call for an update report to be presented next year in the Human Rights Council. While we were disappointed that we have lost the systematization of these issues, we recognize the incredible leadership and good faith of the sponsoring countries, and their commitment to these issues in the long term. We encourage continued support of their leadership. Of grave concern is a package of seven amendments that were also tabled today. They have been proposed by a group of countries including: Congo, Namibia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Egypt, Djibouti, and Uganda (not all countries supported all of the seven amendments). In summary these amendments completely change the resolution by stripping out all SOGI references, including changing the title of the resolution, and adding a paragraph that undermines the universality of rights by deferring to state sovereignty and religious, ethical and cultural background. We expect a vote on Friday, September 26th, but it may come up on Thursday, September 25th, so we are asking list members to act quickly in their capitals. The following are the key points of advocacy at this time: - contact HRC member states (see list below) to oppose this package of amendments, or at the very least abstain or be out of the room - contact sponsors of the amendments (see list above) to withdraw their support On behalf of the large group of civil society advocates present in Geneva, we thank you for your efforts. Voting Members of the HRC: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Maldives, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela, Viet Nam
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:22:36 +0000
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