Lesbian Activist Delivers Landmark Security Council Briefing on LGBTQ Rights in Colombia’s Armed Conflict
Marcela Sánchez, a lesbian activist, delivered a powerful speech calling for the protection of LGBTQ individuals and their full participation in peace agreements. This briefing marks a significant step towards inclusivity and equality.
Lesbian Activist Delivers Landmark Security Council Briefing on LGBTQ Rights in Colombia’s Armed Conflict
In a historic moment, the United Nations Security Council received a full briefing on security issues impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in a conflict setting. Marcela Sánchez, a lesbian human rights defender and the executive director of Colombia Diversa, a human rights organization based in Bogotá, delivered the briefing.
xAdvocating for LGBTQ Rights in Colombia
Sánchez used the platform to call for an end to attacks against LGBTQ individuals in Colombia and to demand the full, equal, and safe participation of women and LGBTQ people in the implementation of Colombia’s peace agreement. She emphasised the importance of recognising the value of LGBTQ lives and the need for the Security Council to protect their rights.
Speaking passionately, Sánchez stated, «Every attack against an LGBTQ person, every human rights defender killed, and every murder left uninvestigated sends the message that our lives are dispensable. I hope that today, this council can send a powerful signal to the LGBTQ population in Colombia that their lives matter and that you will stand by your commitment to protect their rights».
Promoting Inclusivity and Equality
The Government of Malta, which held the rotational presidency of the Security Council in April, invited Sánchez to deliver the briefing. This invitation marks a significant step forward in recognising the importance of LGBTQ rights in conflict settings. It follows two previous informal meetings the Security Council held on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
In 2015, the council was briefed on ISIL’s targeting of LGBTQ individuals in Iraq and Syria. In 2023, the council discussed integrating the human rights of LGBTI people into its work. By inviting Sánchez to provide a full briefing, Malta and the Security Council are demonstrating their commitment to mainstreaming the experiences of LGBTQ people and deepening their understanding of gender persecution in conflict settings.
Maria Sjödin, the executive director of OutRight International, praised the Security Council’s recognition of LGBTQ individuals in conflict settings. She stated, «For far too long, the Security Council ignored the fact that LGBTQ people exist in every conflict setting and are often targeted for who they are. If security and peacebuilding efforts leave out marginalised groups, there is no durable peace. Today’s briefing is a concrete step towards mainstreaming the experiences of LGBTQ people across the Security Council’s mandate and deepening the council’s understanding of gender persecution in conflict settings».
Conclusion
The landmark Security Council briefing by Marcela Sánchez highlights the growing recognition of LGBTQ rights in conflict settings. By addressing the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, the Security Council is taking a crucial step towards promoting inclusivity, equality, and lasting peace. It is hoped that this briefing will serve as a powerful signal of support for the LGBTQ population in Colombia and inspire further action to protect their rights worldwide.