In the past year, the situation of democracy and human rights around the world continue to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Political and civil space is increasingly shrinking in numerous countries, and economic, social and cultural development often is uneven and does not include vulnerable groups.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A solid majority of Australians voted in favor of same-sex marriage in a historic survey that, while not binding, paves the way for Parliament to legally recognize the unions of gay and lesbian couples.
Of 12.7 million Australians who took part in the government survey, 61.6 percent voted yes and 38.4 percent voted no, officials announced on Wednesday morning. Participation was high, with 79.5 percent of voting-age Australians sending back their postal ballots.
His visit saw him record an album featuring many Ugandan queer voices. The album dubbed Rainbow Riots was last week officially premiered during Stockholm Pride and some of the Ugandan voices that appear on the musical recording were in attendance.
United States President Donald Trump, on Wednesday 26th July, shocked the world when he announced via his official twitter account that the US was banning transgender people from serving in the military.
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia could arguably be one of the most significant events commemorated by the LGBTI community worldwide. This day re-emphasizes everything we fight for and believe in- the need and right for everyone to be who they are without being subjected to hate, prejudice, cultural and societal norms or discrimination.
Ugandan feminist and human rights defender Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has been featured in a CNN series titled HER. Kasha appears in the series as one of seven women that have tirelessly worked towards creating a safer and equal world for women.
The digital series which has been compiled in celebration of the International Women Day (8th March) sees a fearless woman represent each of the seven continents- with Kasha representing Africa.
Trump has been a consistent opponent of marriage equality. He said that he opposed it because he was a “traditional” guy, choosing to support domestic partnership benefits instead. Trump later reversed himself and said he also opposed civil unions.
Over 850 NGOs from around the world called on the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which includes all member countries, to take a principled stand that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights.
Last week , Vitit Muntarbhorn became the first UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to be appointed. The LGBTI community welcomed the much over due development after the UN announced that the Thai international law professor had been given the position.
The International AIDS Conference is an annual meeting of persons working in the HIV/AIDS area, where policy makers, medical practitioners as well as persons affected by the scourge get to meet to forge ways and share knowledge on new trends and discoveries while also looking at the statistics related to the scourge.