Reid, ‘Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in relation to forced displacement’, 2025

Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity / Graeme Reid, ‘Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in relation to forced displacement’, UN Doc. No. A/HRC/59/43 (UN Human Rights Council, April 2025)

Summary

The present report is submitted to the Human Rights Council pursuant to Council resolutions 32/2, 41/18 and 50/10. In the report, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Graeme Reid, examines the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other gender-diverse (LGBT) persons in the context of forced displacement. LGBT persons are disproportionately affected by drivers of displacement, including conflict, violence, persecution, repression, disaster and climate-related crises. Across all stages of displacement, forcibly displaced LGBT persons face heightened risks of violence, exclusion and neglect.
Structural barriers and discriminatory practices hinder access to protection, legal recognition and essential services. The continuation of such harms leads to multiple cycles of displacement, leaving LGBT persons vulnerable to grave human rights violations. The Independent Expert concludes the report with a number of recommendations to States on how to uphold international obligations and ensure inclusive, rights-based responses.