Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a call to United Nations member states to renew the mandate of the independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This call comes at a critical time as the UN Human Rights Council gears up for a vote that could determine the future of international efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ violence and discrimination.

Established in 2016, the SOGI mandate provides essential tools for states to address and prevent acts of violence and discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ individuals. It underscores the core principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, asserting that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The mandate extends established international human rights standards to some of the most marginalized communities worldwide.

The urgency for renewing the SOGI mandate is underscored by recent developments in various countries. In Russia, the situation has deteriorated with the government intensifying its anti-LGBTQ+ campaign. Authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against activist Yaroslav Sirotkin, labeling the entire LGBTQ+ movement as an “extremist organization.” Sirotkin, now a wanted man and declared a “foreign agent,” has been forced into exile due to these oppressive measures.

Meanwhile, in the European Union, Hungary has come under fire for its 2021 law that prohibits LGBTQ+ content, sparking widespread condemnation and legal challenges. The Court of Justice of the EU’s advocate general, Tamara Ćapeta, recently criticized the law as a breach of EU values and legal commitments, including the freedoms of expression and information, and the right to non-discrimination. This condemnation was echoed in a joint declaration by EU member states following Hungary’s decision to ban a Pride-related march in Budapest.

In contrast, Colombia has shown legislative progress in supporting LGBT rights, yet challenges remain in translating these laws into genuine safety and equality for the community. During a recent fact-finding mission, UN Independent Expert Graeme Reid highlighted the persistent risks, particularly for trans women and those facing intersecting forms of marginalization. Reid’s findings also draw attention to the broader issue of violence targeting activists in Colombia, emphasizing the gap between legal advancements and real-world experiences.

Despite some opposition from states arguing that LGBTQ+ rights do not align with their cultural values, HRW emphasizes that the SOGI mandate reinforces existing human rights norms applicable universally. As global hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals escalates, the renewal of this mandate is not just a procedural necessity but a moral imperative to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The decision by the UN Human Rights Council in the coming weeks will be a definitive moment for international human rights advocacy.