Applications open: UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

On 30 June 2016, members of the UN Human Rights Council voted to appoint an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Independent Expert will assess the implementation of existing international human rights instruments with a view to how to overcome violence and discrimination against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Independent Expert will also be tasked with identifying and addressing the root causes of such violence and discrimination.

Applications are now being received for this new position.

Individual applications, including a motivation letter, must be received by 4 August 2016 (12 noon GMT) through an online application procedure, which consists of (i) an online survey, and (ii) an application form in Word format.

Information on the application process can be found at: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/HRC33.as....

Updated information on the selection and appointment of special procedures mandate holders and the online application procedure is available at: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Nominati...

Please note that the symbol number of the resolution creating the mandate is A/HRC/RES/32/2. The official final text (as amended) is not available yet, as it is only released once all translations have been done. When completed, it will be available at: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol.../HRC/RES/32/2.