UN General Assembly condemns the killing of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals
The United Nations General Assembly has today passed a joint Nordic Resolution presented by Finland regarding the prevention and investigation of extra-legal executions. The Resolution calls for the protection of vulnerable groups against arbitrary and summary executions.
A separate vote had to be taken on the right of sexual minorities to special protection. Finland joined the other Nordic countries, the EU and a number of other UN members in supporting the US proposal regarding the special protection of LGBT people. The proposal was passed, with 93 countries voting in favour, 55 against, and 27 abstaining.
"People all around the world are being killed because of their sexual orientation. LGBT people need special protection against illegal executions. This decision by the UN General Assembly is a strong and clear statement that these violations of human rights will not be tolerated," said Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb after the vote came through.
The Resolution is put before the UN General Assembly every other year by the Nordic countries. The Resolution itself was passed, with 122 countries voting in favour, 1 against and 62 abstaining.
The United National Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions has repeatedly drawn attention to the issue of killings due to sexual orientation. Since 2002 the Resolution has recognized the special position of people in sexual minorities, but during the current year a committee under the General Assembly voted to remove this reference. The Plenary Session of the General Assembly restored the special position of sexual minorities.
Additional information: Ann-Mari Fröberg, First Secretary, tel +1 646 346 4146, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel 040 732 8340