Sexual orientation and gender identity in human rights impact assessment

Abstract

Responding to violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people worldwide, in the light of theuniversality of human rights, this paper demonstrates the need, benefits and opportunities for including sexual orientationand gender identity (SOGI) in human rights impact assessment (HRIA) and related impact assessments. The United Nationslegal framework (including the 2011 Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) and supportinginternational legal documents such as the Yogyakarta Principles provide the mandate and basis for this paper. The paperdevelops a typology of documents related to SOGI aspects in HRIA and provides examples of SOGI-centred HRIA approaches, specifically the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill and post-earthquake disaster relief in Haiti. Our findingsidentify research-practice gaps in modes and technicalities of the pioneer SOGI-centred HRIA cases, and attest to anabsence of methodologies, tools and indicators. We call upon impact assessment practitioners to develop and use tools thatare inclusive of gays, lesbians and bisexuals as well as transgender and intersex people.<BR>Quelle: http://www.tandfonline.com/