The European Union, in a statement delivered on 18 June 2026 at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, strongly condemned widespread violence and discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women, citing findings from the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) that such abuses persist across all regions. The EU expressed deep concern over the report's documentation of harassment, physical and sexual violence, including rape used as a "corrective measure" against LBQ women, and called for a worldwide end to all forms of violence, discrimination, and hate speech targeting LGBTI persons.
The statement, delivered by the EU delegation in Geneva, reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons. It noted that the European Commission adopted the "LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030" in October 2025, which aims to ensure equality across all policy areas regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The EU also posed a question to the Independent Expert, asking for good practices that prevent LBQ women from "falling between different rights frameworks" in healthcare, asylum, labour protections and gender-based violence services.
The intervention underscores the EU's ongoing diplomatic engagement at the Human Rights Council on SOGI issues, building on its previous statements and strategies. The new strategy, adopted eight months prior, represents a formal EU policy framework to combat discrimination and promote inclusion, though its implementation relies on member states and EU institutions. The statement did not announce new measures or funding, but reiterated existing positions and called for global action against anti-LGBTI violence.
LGBTI advocacy groups may welcome the EU's strong condemnation and the reference to the new strategy, but may seek more concrete enforcement mechanisms. EU member states face pressure to align national policies with the strategy's goals, potentially creating friction in countries with less progressive laws. Non-EU countries targeted by the call for worldwide action may view the statement as diplomatic pressure. The Independent Expert's mandate gains visibility and support from the EU's engagement, reinforcing the importance of SOGI issues within the UN human rights framework.