During the 35th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, Lesotho received 10 Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Recommendations. Out of the 10 recommendations made, Lesotho accepted two coming from Argentina and Costa Rica. The two recommendations are:

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• Adopt norms that will guarantee to LGBTI Persons the full enjoyment of their rights on the basis of equality in all spheres, combatting discrimination and negative stereotypes that still exist in society (Argentina).

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• Take the necessary steps to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and discrimination against persons with disabilities (Costa Rica).

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Some of the Remarks worthy of mentioning made by the Netherlands and Canada are concerns around the discrimination and violence against LGBTI individuals and the widespread problem of gender-based violence and the legislative framework allowing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

In the previous review which took place in 2015, Lesotho received 6 SOGIESC recommendations of which they were all noted. Having some accepted in the 3rd Cycle illustrates a level of acceptance of the LGBTI community by the government of Lesotho. However, it is worth mentioning that having this positive result was a mammoth task.  GDX, Master of Healing Foundation and Rainbow Alliance Lesotho collaboratively submitted a shadow report outlining the state of LGBTI rights in Lesotho. GDX and Master of Healing Foundation went further and participated at the 35th session UPR Advocacy Week in Geneva where the organisations met with 21 permanent missions advocating for SOGIESC recommendations to be made to Lesotho. The work put in the review process has resulted in a positive outcome.

 

Gender Dynamix and Lesotho partners would not have achieved this without the support of ILGA world and COC Netherlands and would therefore like to extend their appreciation and gratitude. Now it is upon LGBTI organisations in Lesotho to hold the Lesotho Government accountable by making sure it honours the SOGIESC recommendations it has accepted. We thank the following States which passed the 10 recommendations: Argentina, Costa Rica, Honduras, Iceland, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and Germany.

 

#LGBTI Rights are Human Rights!!!

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