Cambodia positioned to fully integrate LGBT people into society, UN expert says — Global Issues
In his presentation conclusion Concluding a 10-day visit to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang, the United Nations independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Victor Madrigal-Borloz , urge the government legally recognizes LGBT families.
“Without exception, the State agencies I spoke to all acknowledged that diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity is an inherent feature of the human race and that all Cambodian citizens, including including members of the LGBT community, all of whom are valued members of society and have the right to live in freedom and equality,” he said.
pervasive discrimination
The UN expert met with State representatives at the national and provincial levels, civil society organizations and more than 100 LGBT people who shared their life experiences with him.
“Before and during my visit, I did not receive any information about large-scale or systematic physical violence against people I spoke to or people they knew,” he said. .
Mr. Madrigal-Borloz also noted that Cambodia does not have a law that explicitly criminalizes sexual orientation or gender identity, which gives him “an encouraging starting point”.
Based on the evidence presented, the UN expert concludes that violence and discrimination against LGBT people originates within the family and spreads to life at school, work and also in the community. when accessing medical services.
lack of information
However, the lack of data creates major challenges in analyzing the challenges faced by LGBT people and designing and implementing measures to address them.
Mr. Madrigal-Borloz in his statement recommends adopting a range of measures, including more surveys and data collection, and emphasizes that relevant communities and civil society organizations are involved. Full participation in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policy is indispensable.
The testimonies he received emphasize that in the Cambodian context, local communities have identified legal recognition of their families as key.
This has a specific relationship with deeply cherished values that strengthen family ties, respect and intergenerational solidarity as part of recognition of self-worth and responsibility. society.
Time for ‘speedy progress’
“I encourage the State to make rapid progress on this agenda, driven by Cambodian communities with a clear view of the realities of life and their needs,” he said.
He said action should be guided by three key commitments under consideration as of 2019: “recognizing LGBT families through legal recognition of same-sex marriage, legal recognition of gender identity and communication through comprehensive anti-discrimination laws”.
Independent experts appointed by the United Nations based in Geneva Dong Nhan Quyen Association arrive check and report back about a particular human rights topic or a country situation. The positions are honorary and professionals are not paid for their work.
