Graeme Reid Named the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

TGEU extends a warm welcome to Graeme Reid, the newly appointed UN Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI). 

Reid will hold this position for an initial term of three years starting on 1 November 2023. Prior to his appointment as the IE SOGI, Reid served as director of the LGBT rights programme at Human Rights Watch. He brings over 20 years of experience as a human rights practitioner to this position.

Graeme Reid’s appointment welcomed by LGBTI human rights defenders

TGEU joins many other LGBTI human rights defenders in celebrating the renewal of the mandate. We hope that all governments in Europe and Central Asia cooperate fully with the IE SOGI in this important work. TGEU remains committed to supporting the mandate to strengthen the rights and wellbeing of trans people in Europe and Central Asia.

We also express our great admiration and gratitude to the previous IE SOGI, Victor Madrigal-Borloz, whose courageous and tireless spirit helped achieve so much globally. 

What does the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI) do?

The IE SOGI assesses the implementation of human rights law and standards relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. The IE SOGI’s work under the UN human rights system is varied, and involves: 

• Analysing the causes and symptoms of violence and discrimination against LGBTI people
• Recommending legal and policy measures to secure the human rights of LGBTI people
• Engaging in dialogue and consultations with States and other stakeholders
• Identifying best practices, and raising awareness to build international cooperation to combat violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.