The undersigned Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) members welcome recent global and national developments outlined below that aim to end the practice of forced anal exams targeting gay and bisexual men and transgender women on account of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. ERC members also note with deep concern that individuals are still forced to undergo such exams.

ERC members recognize international human rights and medical bodies that have condemned such exams, including: an October 2017 resolution from the General Assembly of the World Medical Association; multiple statements from the World Health Organization (WHO) such as the WHO Director-General’s December 2017 Human Rights Day statement; the 2016 statement by the Independent Forensic Expert Group, the 2015 joint statement by 12 UN agencies; and conclusions from the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the UN Committee Against Torture.

ERC members also welcome developments toward upholding human dignity and ending the practice of forced anal exams at the national level. Such developments include a March 2018 Kenyan Court of Appeal ruling that subjecting men suspected of being gay to forced anal exams violates Kenya’s constitution. National medical associations in Lebanon, Tunisia and Kenya have also criticized the practice and urged that it be discontinued.

ERC members urge all governments to end the practice of forced anal exams on individuals based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. ERC members encourage the United Nations and other international organizations to provide technical assistance as needed to support governments to end this inhumane practice.

Co-signatories:

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay

The undersigned Equal Rights Coalition members urgently call on Russian federal authorities to conduct an independent and credible investigation into reports of arbitrary detention, torture and killing of gay men by security services and other government authorities in the Republic of Chechnya. If these reports prove credible, we call on the Russian government to take steps to ensure the release of anyone wrongfully detained and hold accountable anyone found responsible. These steps are in-line with international human rights obligations and commitments made by the Russian government to respect the human rights of all individuals.

Co-signatories:

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay

Signed at Montevideo, 13 July 2016

Recalling the affirmation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status;

Affirming that rights and freedoms enshrined in international human rights law apply equally to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons;

Expressing our deep concern about the serious levels of violence and discrimination targeting LGBTI persons, as documented by various international, regional and national bodies;

Welcoming the positive steps taken in various countries in all regions to address acts of violence, to repeal discriminatory laws and policies, protect persons from discrimination and to raise awareness about the human rights of all, without distinction of any kind;

Stressing the importance of close involvement and participation of local LGBTI communities and other relevant stakeholders in our human rights and development efforts, and addressing the distinct challenges faced by lesbian and bisexual women, gay and bisexual men, transgender persons, intersex persons and other LGBTI persons who are at risk of human rights violations and abuses, including on the basis of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination;

Recognising existing coordination and cooperation mechanisms and initiatives to exchange experiences between peers within and between regions, and underlining the need for complementary engagement and action to advance the human rights of and promote inclusive development for LGBTI persons;

We, as participating States, commit to:

Strengthening cooperation in, coordination of and communication about our efforts to advance the human rights of, and support inclusive development for, all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics;

Establishing a coalition to share, as appropriate, information between our States on how best to advance the human rights of, and support inclusive development for, LGBTI persons, and to consider measures needed to protect and advance these rights, working in close engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including regional and multilateral organisations, civil society organisations, and the private sector;

Building bridges, common ground and engaging in a spirit of open, respectful and constructive dialogue and cooperation with all States and relevant stakeholders, always having in mind a positive perspective;

Consulting closely with civil society to ensure our individual and combined international efforts adhere to the principle of “Do No Harm”, do not undermine or further marginalise LGBTI persons or other persons in vulnerable situations, and instead create an enabling environment in which their human rights can be respected, protected and promoted;

Working together towards a world where all persons, born free and equal in dignity and rights, will be able to fulfil their precious birthright.