Hanoi (VNA) – The United Nations in Vietnam showed its support for thelesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community in its jointstatement issued on May 17 on the International Day Against Homophobia,Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).

The UN in Vietnam affirmed it stands with all LGBTI peoplefrom around the world.

“Every person, without distinction on any grounds, has anequal right to live free from violence, persecution, discrimination and stigmaof any kind, the organisation said, stressing that human rights are universal,and cultural, religious and moral practices and beliefs, and social attitudesmust not be invoked to justify human rights violations against any group,including LGBTI persons,” the statement said.

Ending marginalisation and exclusion of LGBTI people is ahuman rights priority – and a development imperative. The UN Human RightsSub-Committee of Experts on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman orDegrading Treatment or Punishment has stressed that working to leave no LGBTIpersons behind is fundamental to several international human rights standardsas well as the achievement of a sustainable development goal on good health andwell-being.

In its joint statement, the UN hails Vietnam’s efforts toensure LGBTI persons’ rights, noting that the annual Viet Pride has beencelebrated since 2012, the ban on same sex marriage was removed in 2014, andlegislation was enacted in 2015 providing a legal basis to change one’s legalgender identity.

The UN also welcomes the engagement of the Ministry ofHealth and Ministry of Justice with the LGBTI community and partners throughpublic consultations for the new legislation on legal gender recognition.

However, LGBTI people continue to face contempt, derision,as well as discrimination on the streets, at the workplace, in schools, and inhealth facilities.  LGBTI people alsoface sexual and gender-based violence because of who they are, their sexual orientation,and their gender identity. The current legal framework, policies and socialnorms do not sufficiently protect LGBTI people and do not allow them to fullyenjoy their rights. Without legal gender recognition and other legal protectionagainst discrimination, LGBTI people and especially transgender people stillface significant challenges, including access to social and health services aswell as equal employment opportunities. In many ways, the LGBTI community isvulnerable. For example, there is recent evidence of a worrying expansion ofthe HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (increase of HIV prevalencefrom 4 percent in 2013 to 8.2 percent in 2016) and high-level HIV prevalenceamong transgender women.

[LGBT community in Vietnam’s path to recognition]

The organisation called for national efforts to work for abetter future for the LGBTI community, through opportunities to advance thefulfillment of their rights so that they can fully contribute to society andlive in dignity.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Ministryof Justice, there is momentum in Vietnam to realize the right of transgenderpersons to legal recognition of their gender. However, there is still limitedunderstanding of the diversity within the transgender community, and of theself-determination model.

Therefore, the UN encourages relevant authorities tocontinue to engage the transgender community, parents of transgenderindividuals, and civil society organisations on these issues.

The upcoming revision of the Labour Code also presents anopportunity to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and genderidentity in the world of work.

The UN believes resolutely in eliminating homophobia andtransphobia through education, so as to better ensure a safe, equal, just andfair environment and equal opportunities for LGBTI people. It is also necessaryto improve healthcare services, including mental health to meet the needs oftransgender people.

 “The United Nationswill support Vietnam’s efforts to promote equality and equity for LGBTI people,establishing a solid foundation for full access to the educational, social andhealthcare services they need, as well as the required opportunities to fulfiltheir ambitions and aspirations. As an employer, the UN commits to fostering aworkplace where LGBTI employees can be themselves and work productively, withthe full support and respect of all their colleagues,” UN Resident Coordinatorin Vietnam Kamal Malhotra.

The UN calls for everyone to put an end to homophobia,transphobia and biphobia, and embrace diversity.-VNA