A group of UN human rights experts expressed concern [press release] Monday over countries attempting to retroactively block a mandate of an independent expert to investigate sexual orientation and gender identity-based rights abuses. The resolution [text] was approved by the member states of the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) [official website] in June. The challenge came from a bloc of African countries, which have typically gone against acknowledging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. The Coordination Committee of Special Procedures [official website] warns that a move to block this resolution could undermine the authority of the UNHRC. The Third Committee of the General Assembly [official website] voted Monday on the resolution, with the attempted block failing. The challenge itself has left many experts hoping more challenges do not come, citing the special procedure mandates as a way to quickly address emerging issues. The group had warned that if the resolution had been voted against it might create a political vacuum for the UNHRC.

The rights of LGBT persons remains a controversial topic throughout the world. The UN passing the resolution, which was originally passed [JURIST report] in June, shows that the largest International body is determined to protect the rights of citizens throughout the world. Many other countries have begun to follow this trend, including France, which last month removed a sterilization requirement [JURIST report] for transgender individuals. Not all movements towards LGBT rights are being met happily, as shown in September when thousands marched [JURIST report] in Mexico against same-sex marriage. In August the Belize Supreme Court struck down [JURIST report] an anti-gay law. Meanwhile in June, a Kenyan court upheld [JURIST report] a law allowing anal examinations to determine sexual orientation.