Born Free and Equal: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics in International Human Rights Law (Second Edition)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, encompassing the protection of LGBTI individuals from discrimination, violence, and torture. Despite this, widespread human rights violations against LGBTI people persist globally. The United Nations, alongside regional and national human rights bodies, has documented these abuses for over twenty-five years. Although recent years have seen uneven progress, with notable advances for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and increased awareness of trans and intersex issues, concrete protective measures remain limited. This revised publication, incorporates developments in international human rights standards and guidance, detailing the legal obligations of States towards LGBTI individuals. It aims to assist States, human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and stakeholders in combating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

The publication outlines core State obligations, relevant international laws, and findings from human rights treaty bodies and special procedures, emphasizing the enforcement of existing rights and the principle of non-discrimination. This initiative underscores the integral role of LGBTI rights in the broader human rights struggle, advocating for immediate and unavoidable State responsibilities.