UN body decides: International Commission for Gays and Lesbians is not a suitable advisor to the global community. Homophobic states tipped the scales.
The UN has decided against official consultation by a gay and lesbian organisation. A UN committee that decides on the advisory status of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) voted against the application of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) on Thursday night.
Three years ago, the organisation applied for consultant status for the U.N. Economic and Social Council. As an advisor, it would be consulted on the implications for gays and lesbians before important economic and political decisions are made by the Council.
Western diplomats complain that the resolution was vetoed by countries in which the rights of gays and lesbians are trampled underfoot. The UN committee has 19 members. Great Britain and the USA campaigned for IGLHRC to be recognised as an advisor. Russia, Egypt, China, Pakistan, Burundi and Angola voted against, Turkey abstained.
The head of IGLHRC, Cary Alan Johnson, stated that he was "disappointed with the NGO committee's action in blocking our application in this way." This is a "clear case of discrimination against an organisation for standing up for the human rights of gays and lesbians around the world."
The British delegation to the UN published a statement in which it expressed its "deep regret" at the committee's decision. The opposition was led by Egypt, which sees itself as representing the interests of all African countries. The result contradicted the actual interests of the UN.
The USA and Europe now want to try to ensure that the U.N. Economic and Social Council appoints IGLHRC directly as an advisory NGO - without a decision by the committee.
(Paul Schulz)
