The human rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), must be respected [1]. However, those whose sexual orientation or gender identity diverges from the dominant norms of their society or region (for example, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other LGBTIQA+ people) face widespread violations of their fundamental rights, violence and discrimination [2].

Rights related to SOGI aim to improve the enjoyment of universal human rights by LGBTIQA+ communities. In order to monitor the situation and ensure that these rights are respected and implemented in states parties, in 2016 the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council appointed an Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, whose mandate is renewed every three years [3]. In his 2018 report, the Independent Expert observed that acts of violence and discrimination based on perceived non-conforming SOGI occur in every region of the world and that "victims are presumed to be in the millions, every year. These acts extend from daily exclusion and discrimination to the most heinous acts, including torture and arbitrary killings." [4] The Expert accordingly called on states to reform discriminatory laws and take all necessary measures to prevent, investigate and punish such violations [5].

The criminalisation of consensual intimate relations between adults of the same sex and of gender expression or identity that differs from a person’s biological sex violates international law and a range of article 95 such as respect for dignity, privacy, equality and non-discrimination. Yet, same-sex relations remain illegal in 63 countries [6]. Of these, 12 provide for the death penalty, and legislation in 20 states targets transgender people through laws prohibiting "cross-dressing", "impersonation" or "wearing of disguises". In many countries, these laws are legacies of colonial-era legislation [7].

LGBTQIA+ rights are increasingly under attack under the pretext of a so-called "gender ideology" [8]. In Russia, for example, laws severely restrict the rights of people whose gender identity or relationships do not conform to so-called "traditional" norms. In recent years, three important laws have been adopted that directly target the rights of LGBTQIA+ people [9].