The United Nations has issued its first-ever fficial report
calling for the protection of gay and trans people.
"Homophobic and transphobic violence has been recorded in all
regions. Such violence may be physical (including murder, beatings,
kidnappings, rape and sexual assault) or psychological (including
threats, coercion and arbitrary deprivations of liberty)," said the
report by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
The report was commissioned by the Human Rights Council in
June.
It said that LGBT violence tends to feature "a high degree of
cruelty" and that often the community is a target for religious
extremists, paramilitary groups, neo-Nazis and extreme
nationalists.
The 25-page report also noted that many people are victims of
so-called honour killings.
Lesbian, gay, bi and transgender people are also
disproportionately subjected to torture, often in custody, the
report said.
The U.N. subsequently called on the 76 countries which
criminalise homosexuality to repeal their laws.
