The Yogyakarta Principles

Abstract

all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. all human rights are universal, interdependent, indivisible and interrelated. sexual orientation1) and gender identity2) are integral to every person’s dignity and humanity and must not be the basis for discrimination or abuse. many advances have been made toward ensuring that people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can live with the equal dignity and respect to which all persons are entitled. many states now have laws and constitutions that guarantee the rights of equality and nondiscrimination without distinction on the basis of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. nevertheless, human rights violations targeted toward persons because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity constitute a global and entrenched pattern of serious concern. they include extra-judicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, sexual assault and rape, invasions of privacy, arbitrary detention, denial of employment and education opportunities, and serious discrimination in relation to the enjoyment of other human rights. these violations are often compounded by experiences of other forms of violence, hatred, discrimination and exclusion, such as those based on race, age, religion, disability, or economic, social or other status. many states and societies impose gender and sexual orientation norms on individuals through custom, law and violence and seek to control how they experience personal relationships and how they identify themselves. the policing of sexuality remains a major force behind continuing gender-based violence and gender inequality. the international system has seen great strides toward gender equality and protections against violence in society, community and in the family. in addition, key human rights mechanisms of the united nations have affirmed states’ obligation to ensure effective protection of all persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. however, the international response to human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity has been fragmented and inconsistent.