The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK), a coalition of 16 member organisations working to prevent violence and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, welcomes the Human Rights Council resolution establishing an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

This new appointment presents an opportunity for cooperation between the Independent Expert and states in protecting the human rights of LGBTI* persons, including changes to harmful laws and policies that contribute to violence and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

We look forward to working with the Independent Expert, and urges the Kenyan government to cooperate with the mandate holder once appointed. To this end, GALCK urges the Kenyan government to consider favourably requests by the Independent Expert to visit the country, provide information to the mandate holder as requested, and seriously consider any recommendations the Independent Expert makes in the mandate holder’s report.

We note with concern the divisiveness and polarisation brought on by the resolution vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council. GALCK urges continued international cooperation across regional, cultural, and political differences, in the protection of human rights. GALCK commends Angola for providing leadership in cosponsoring the resolution, and looks forward to enhanced integration of the human rights of LGBQ persons in the African continent.

In line with the resolution itself, GALCK urges the Independent Expert to address “the multiple, intersecting and aggravated forms of violence and discrimination faced by persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.” To this end, we urge the Independent Expert to be seized of work by past mandate holders that have addressed violence and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex