Dialogue: South Africa's Leadership on the Human Rights of LGBT People at Home and Internationally

In June 2011, South Africa propelled itself to the centre-stage of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) people’s concerns globally when it successfully co-sponsored the first ever UN resolution on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), Resolution 17/19, adopted by the Council at its 17th session June 15th 2011. The resolution mandated the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to produce a report to be tabled in March 2012 at the 19th Session of the Council. The report also mandated the establishment of an expert panel in March 2012. The resolution received great popularity and earned South Africa much commendation from LGBT people and their allies worldwide. What has happened at the UN since the resolution? How does South Africa see its continued role in ensuring that the human rights of LGBT people receive equal attention and LGBT people equal protection from the UN and in their countries? How will the resolution lead to improved security and enjoyment of rights of LGBT people? How will the momentum be sustained past Resolution 17/19?

The South African Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with the Coalition of African Lesbians, and the Human Rights Institute of South Africa, is hosting a series of dialogues on South Africa's Leadership on the Human Rights of LGBT People at Home and Internationally, on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people in line with the country’s constitutional and international obligations, on 14 February 2012 in Johannesburg.

For more about the South African Human Rights Commission, refer to www.sahrc.org.za.

For more about the Human Rights Institute of South Africa, refer to www.hurisa.org.za.