Egypt won’t comply with latest UN LGBTI resolution
Egypt has dismissed the recent landmark resolution against LGBTI discrimination and violence passed at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The resolution was adopted in Geneva last week and will mandate the appointment of an Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
It was hailed as a historic victory for LGBTI people by human rights groups around the world.
In response, Egypt’s permanent delegate to the UN, Amr Ramadan, described any “pro-homosexuality resolution” as “worthless”, claiming that it violates “Egyptian culture and values”.
According to the Egypt State Information Service, he explained that the vote will not change global attitudes that “reject such perverted thoughts being promoted by western countries”.
Ramadan also said Egypt will not comply with such resolutions due to their “contradiction with international laws” and “the national sovereignty of member states of the UN…”
While Egypt was not eligible to take part in the vote because it is not currently a UNHRC member, its views were supported by other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, who voted against the resolution. (South Africa shamefully abstained in the vote.)
Homosexuality is not specifically outlawed in Egypt but gay people are often targeted and jailed through immorality or public indecency laws. The Egyptian authorities have been accused of using social media, including dating apps, to track down and arrest gay men.
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