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In The South

United Nations appoint expert on sexual orientation and gender identity

Gary Hart October 4, 2016

United Nations Human Rights Council appoint the first ever Independent Expert focused on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council!

Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn
Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn

Vitit Muntarbhorn, a law professor from Thailand and experienced human rights expert, will serve in this capacity for the next three years.

He will be tasked with raising awareness about the violence and discrimination LGBT people face globally.

The SOGI Independent Expert position was created by the passing of resolution on June 30 of this year. The resolution was openly attacked by governments who questioned the meaning of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”

Good sense prevailed, and the resolution passed with a vote of 23 in favour and 18 against with six abstentions.

Professor Muntarbhorn was chosen from 21 candidates who applied for the position, by a Consultative Group and the President of the UN Human Rights Council, before being appointed.

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