In a resolute declaration on Thursday, 45 UN human rights experts have reinforced the necessity of a gender-centric approach as pivotal to advancing human rights and achieving global equality. These experts, drawn from various countries and holding UN special procedure mandates, collectively emphasized the shortcomings of traditional binary gender perspectives, arguing that they fail to fully capture the complex social and cultural dynamics that define personal identity and everyday experiences.

Highlighting the importance of addressing both gender-based and sex-based discrimination, the UN specialists argued for a nuanced understanding of gender roles and their impact across diverse spheres such as education, healthcare, and employment. This approach, they insist, is essential for dismantling the entrenched hierarchies and expectations that hinder equitable progress.

Echoing the principles outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 which focuses on gender equality, the statement calls for a renewed commitment from states and relevant stakeholders to integrate gender perspectives actively into international law and policy frameworks.

This advocacy is further supported by the ongoing efforts of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), currently held by South African scholar Graeme Reid. The recent renewal of this mandate by the UN Human Rights Council underscores the international community's continued commitment to recognizing and combating intersectional forms of discrimination.

The call for a gender-centered approach comes amid persistent global challenges. For instance, the UN has recently cast a spotlight on gender disparities in sports and condemned legislative attempts in the US, such as those in Tennessee and Oklahoma, aimed at restricting gender-affirming care for minors. Additionally, the international body has denounced the actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan, labeling their policies as "gender apartheid" and a significant barrier to gender equality.

These developments highlight the critical need for a comprehensive and inclusive strategy to address gender issues, one that acknowledges and addresses the varied and intersectional forms of discrimination that individuals face worldwide. The collective voice of these 45 experts serves as a clarion call to all nations to prioritize gender equality not just as a moral or social issue but as a fundamental human rights imperative.