The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights recognizes human rights as a set of moral principles or norms that decide on a certain standard of human behaviour and are regularly protected as legal rights by municipal and international law. Everyone born in this world is entitled to these rights without any discrimination. From what the United Nations suggests, there are 30 basic human rights that are recognized around the world.
This declaration consists of 30 articles promising an individual’s rights. These 30 articles are also currently known as 30 30 basic human rights, which include – rights to privacy, rights to education, rights to work and rights to be treated fair, etc. Most importantly, freedom of opinion, expression, thought and religion are also covered in the 30 universal human rights. A small branch of human rights also extends towards the LGBTQ society.
It is true that the subject of LGBTQ rights under the collection of human rights is quite controversial yet sometimes an untouched area under discussion. The relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and some countries’ values and faith has garnered the attention of many from across the globe. From the human rights perspective, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are all part of the LGBTQ community. They face several common and distinct challenges for others to accept, respect and treat them as equals in this fast-growing world. This makes these individuals united by a common culture and ground. However, they have longed to seek acceptance by certain countries whose faith and values differ from theirs.
Intersex people (those born with atypical sex features) have also been through some of the same kinds of human rights violations just like the queer community. They also face institutional violence within healthcare systems, which has lasting consequences for their physical as well as mental health. Such discrimination against LGBT people pokes holes in the concept of human rights principles that have been outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As per the international human rights law laid down by UNO, all states are necessitated to promote and protect the human rights of all persons without any prejudicial treatment. Yet in many countries, laws against cross-dressing are used to penalize transgender people for expressing their gender identity. Additionally, in as many as 70 countries, a number of discriminatory laws are enacted with the view to criminalize private, consensual same-sex relationships. Owing to the same, LGBTQ individuals are exposed to the risk of arrest, blackmail, extortion, trauma, discrimination, violence and sometimes even death penalty.
A recent case study compromising LGBTQ human rights took place in November 2022 during FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar wherein fans as well as famous journalist Grant Wahl were confronted for wearing rainbow paraphernalia in public; a sign supporting the queer community. Following this action, some fans were refused entry to early matches despite assurances from Qatar and FIFA that every individual is welcomed.
As a result, the Middle East nation faced pressure from foreign officials, soccer players and FIFA over its opinions toward the pride community. Eventually, Qatari officials stated that while everyone is welcomed with open arms, regardless of their background; maintaining and respecting the country’s culture and values is a must.
Reports say that the protests put the focus of attention on a group that supposedly prefers to stay in the anonymity in countries where most people and institutions still refuse to acknowledge same-sex relationships. Not only in Qatar but the same scenario lies in particularly many Arab and Gulf countries where the concept of LGBTQ is not appreciated as compared to the western part of the world.
In a statement made by FIFA, it said, “Qatar is fully aware of its duty as the World Cup host of prohibiting discrimination of any kind on account of sexual orientation. FIFA and Qatari officials are aiming to provide human rights training sessions to the public and private security forces in Qatar, among other measures aimed at preventing discrimination against sexual minorities”.
To sum it up, everyone including the pride society is entitled to fundamental human rights without any discernment. With that being said, it must be understood that sexuality and human rights are interconnected and must be respected at all costs. It must not be disputed within.
Written by – Miloni Chheda
Edited by – Miloni Chheda
