Governments worldwide must ensure COVID-19 emergency measures do not worsen inequalities or structural barriers faced by
people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, or lead to increased violence and discrimination against
them, a UN expert said today. He was speaking ahead of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and
Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May 2020.
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-and gender-diverse people, who are disproportionately represented in the ranks of the
poor, the homeless, and those without healthcare, will be deeply impacted by the pandemic and, unless we take urgent
action, this impact will be felt over generations,” said the Independent Expert on protection against violence and
discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Víctor Madrigal-Borloz, in a key Joint Statement published today.
“This historical statement, signed by 96 United Nations and international human rights experts, forcefully recognises
that the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic is not waged on a level playing field,” he said. Criminalisation laws,
still existing in 70 countries, created higher risk of police abuse and arbitrary arrest and detention during curfews,
and hindered meaningful data collection.
“For example, even when gay men and trans women comprise a significant proportion of those living with HIV-induced
compromised immune systems at higher risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19, criminalisation, stigma and
discrimination will likely make it impossible to fully document and analyse the impact of the pandemic,” the Independent
Expert said.
He noted the pandemic is being used in some countries as an excuse for persecution. “Some States have enacted measures
which intentionally target LGBT persons and communities under the guise of public health, including proposing
legislation to deny trans- and gender-diverse persons of their legal recognition.”
Madrigal-Borloz said that States should ensure that pandemic-related measures are not discriminatory and are designed
with the participation of LGBT communities, and ensure accountability for arbitrariness and abuse.