Statement from ILGA Asia Board Member, Lini Zurlia, at the 54th regular session of the Human Rights Council on the situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

On 26 September 2023, Lini Zurlia, Advocacy Officer with ASEAN Sogie Caucus and Southeast Asia Representative on ILGA Asia's Executive Board, delivered a statement during the 54th session of the Human Rights Council highlighting the role of LGBTIQ human rights defenders in restoring democracy and calling for justice in Myanmar, and the serious lack of data on the drivers of violence and discrimination against them.

ILGA Asia is simultaneously proud and humbled to collaborate with ASC and LGBTIQ human rights defenders from Myanmar to raise these issues at the UN.

Mr. President,

This joint statement has been drafted and prepared in consultation with LGBTI organizations from Myanmar.

The egregious human rights violations suffered by civilians and human rights defenders alike—some of which, “depending on circumstance, can be characterized as war crimes, crimes against humanity or both”—transcend any single social group or human rights movement in Myanmar.Civil society as a whole is being arbitrarily targeted and oppressed, and reprisals against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) human rights defenders need to be contextualized within the broader pattern of violent backlash against any individual or group that the junta even perceives to be calling for democracy, justice, and accountability. 

But the contribution of LGBTI human rights defenders in restoring democracy cannot be underestimated. Their visibility and involvement in peaceful protests resulted in crackdown on LGBTI activists and organizations. Research, involving more than 200 LGBTI victims of human rights violations, revealed that more than 60% decided not to report cases due to fear of retaliation, and 50% due to lack of trust in the domestic justice system under the Military administration.

We thus welcome the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. But data on the unique vulnerabilities and bases for persecution of LGBTI activists and human rights defenders in Myanmar—and those seeking asylum in neighboring countries—is still sorely lacking.

We urge relevant UN agencies and mechanisms and humanitarian organizations to increase meaningful partnerships with Myanmar LGBTI organizations and National Unity Government officials to increase protections for LGBTI persons and collect crucial data on the drivers of violence and persecution against them. 

 Thank you.