International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission is a global organization that advocates for the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on sexual orientation and gender identity. The organization was founded in 1990 by Julie Dorf and Cary Alan Johnson, and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Argentina, Philippines, and South Africa. The commission works closely with Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the United Nations to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, including in countries such as Russia, China, and Iran.

● History

The organization was established in response to the growing need for international advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ individuals, who face discrimination, persecution, and violence in many parts of the world, including Uganda, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. The commission's early work focused on supporting LGBTQ+ activists in Eastern Europe and Latin America, including in countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Brazil. The organization has also worked closely with ILGA, the International Lesbian and Gay Association, to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals globally, including through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Yogyakarta Principles. The commission has also collaborated with UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The commission's mission is to advance the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, with a focus on social justice, equality, and non-discrimination. The organization's objectives include promoting the decriminalization of homosexuality, advocating for the rights of transgender individuals, and supporting the development of LGBTQ+ movements in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The commission works to achieve these objectives through advocacy, research, and capacity building, in collaboration with LGBTQ+ organizations and human rights groups, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The commission also engages with governments, parliaments, and international institutions, such as the European Union and the African Union, to promote the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The commission implements a range of programs and initiatives to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including the Emergency Response Program, which provides support to LGBTQ+ activists and organizations facing persecution or threats. The organization also implements the Research and Documentation Program, which conducts research on LGBTQ+ issues and produces reports and publications, such as the Annual Report on the State of LGBTQ+ Human Rights. The commission also provides capacity building and technical assistance to LGBTQ+ organizations, including through the Global Equality Fund, which is supported by the US Department of State and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The commission has also collaborated with UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to promote LGBTQ+ inclusive education and address bullying and discrimination in schools.

● Regional_Presence

The commission has a strong regional presence, with offices in Argentina, Philippines, and South Africa. The organization works closely with LGBTQ+ organizations and human rights groups in these regions, including the African Human Rights Coalition and the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women. The commission also engages with regional institutions, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, to promote the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The commission has also collaborated with regional governments, such as the Government of Canada and the Government of Australia, to advance LGBTQ+ rights and address discrimination.

● Notable_Campaigns

The commission has led several notable campaigns to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including the Campaign Against Homophobic and Transphobic Violence and the Campaign for the Decriminalization of Homosexuality. The organization has also worked on campaigns to support LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, including the Campaign for LGBTQ+ Refugee Rights. The commission has also collaborated with human rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, to campaign against torture and ill-treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in countries such as Egypt and Turkey. The commission has also worked with UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to address the needs of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers.

● Awards_and_Recognition

The commission has received several awards and recognition for its work, including the Felipa de Souza Award and the Outstanding Community Service Award. The organization has also been recognized by human rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, for its advocacy and research on LGBTQ+ issues. The commission has also received funding and support from foundations and donors, including the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundations, to advance its work and mission. The commission has also collaborated with academic institutions, such as Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley, to promote LGBTQ+ research and scholarship. Category:LGBTQ+ organizations