On Monday, Kenya was one of several countries that voted to extend the mandate of an expert on LGBTQ+ rights.
This vote aims to strengthen the international community’s dedication to documenting and addressing human rights abuses against LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in nations where such violations are widespread and state-sanctioned.
This development follows the United Nations’ Human Rights Council’s decision on Monday to renew the mandate of an LGBTQ+ rights expert, a decision that advocates have welcomed, especially in light of the absence of the United States, a former key supporter that is now retracting such protections.
Western diplomats had earlier expressed concerns regarding the renewal of the mandate for South African scholar Graeme Reid, who plays a crucial role in enhancing protections by documenting abuses and engaging in dialogue with various countries, as reported by Reuters.
The motion for a three-year renewal was approved with 29 votes in favor, 15 against, and three abstentions. Supporters of the motion included Chile, Germany, Kenya, and South Africa, while several African nations and Qatar opposed it.
This vote is regarded as a significant advancement in ensuring that LGBTQ+ rights remain a priority on the international human rights agenda.
In a time when some governments are regressing in terms of LGBT protections, ongoing monitoring and reporting under a UN mandate provide victims with a platform and maintain pressure on states to fulfill their obligations under international law.
The United States, which has distanced itself from the council during President Donald Trump’s administration, citing alleged antisemitic bias, was previously a supporter of the mandate during the Biden administration.
Since assuming office in January, Trump has enacted executive orders aimed at limiting transgender rights and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within both government and the private sector.