55th regular session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests
7 March 2024
Statement by Federatie Van Nederlandse Verenigingen Tot Integratie Van Homoseksualiteit
COC Nederland
Delivered by: Benjie Allen Aquino
Mr. President,
This joint statement has been drafted in consultation with Asian LGBTIQ organizations.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) persons around the world have long fought for their human rights to freely organize and express themselves. Many human rights of LGBTIQ persons are now protected and fulfilled as a direct result of peaceful protests. In 2022 alone, Pride marches and other LGBTIQ events have been held in at least 105 countries.
However, LGBTIQ human rights defenders have been subjected to arrests, harassment, and violence by law enforcement officials and non-state actors. Under the guise of enforcing health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, law enforcement officials have arrested LGBTIQ individuals engaged in peaceful protests and events. State authorities have also refused LGBTIQ events permits, imposed curfew restrictions targeting public spaces frequented by LGBTIQ individuals, and denied assistance and protection to organizers of LGBTIQ-related assemblies amidst threats of violence by non-state actors (who often co-opt narratives of culture and religion to justify discrimination and violence).
Law enforcement often lacks the specific sensitization training needed— even though general gender and LGBTIQ sensitization is available—creating gaps in protection for peaceful protesters. Furthermore, laws that curtail free expression of support for the human rights of LGBTIQ people often do so under the guise of protecting public morals and suppressing indecency.
We thus welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and urge all states to repeal laws that infringe upon the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as freedom of speech.
