The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 did not explicitly mention the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. After decades of neglect, relevant progress has been made due to an effective global LGBT advocacy. In 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) adopted for the first time a resolution on human rights, sexual orientation, and gender identity; in 2013, the campaign ‘Free and Equal’ was launched by the High Commissioner of Human Rights; and, in 2016, an Independent Expert (IE) was appointed. The article reviews some key aspects behind the process that extended the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the UDHR to ensure that people may not be discriminated against in the enjoyment of their fundamental rights on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and in the conclusion presents the current challenges that global LGBT activism faces.