Geneva: Human Rights Watch on Friday hailed the UN's "historic" decision to create a new post tasked with fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The first-of-its kind job at the United Nations was established by the Human Rights Council following a "heated" three-and-half hour debate with many states voicing fierce opposition, council spokesman Rolando Gomez told journalists.
The resolution creating the job of "Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity" was adopted late Thursday with 23 votes in favour, 18 against and six abstentions in the 47 member council.
He said those facing victimisation because of gender or sexual orientation now had an "official voice" they could turn to in the UN system.
Votes against were led by China and Russia along with several Arab states including Saudi Arabia. Opponents in Africa included Kenya, Togo and Nigeria, which in 2014 adopted a tough anti-gay law.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The first-of-its kind job at the United Nations was established by the Human Rights Council following a "heated" three-and-half hour debate with many states voicing fierce opposition, council spokesman Rolando Gomez told journalists.
The resolution creating the job of "Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity" was adopted late Thursday with 23 votes in favour, 18 against and six abstentions in the 47 member council.
He said those facing victimisation because of gender or sexual orientation now had an "official voice" they could turn to in the UN system.
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Votes against were led by China and Russia along with several Arab states including Saudi Arabia. Opponents in Africa included Kenya, Togo and Nigeria, which in 2014 adopted a tough anti-gay law.
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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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