IGLYO calls governments to stop disrespect to UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

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Decades-old UN Convention largely neglected by governments

WebTeam (16/05/2007)

Amsterdam, 17th May 2007

On the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), May 17th, IGLYO calls upon political leaders worldwide to guarantee that all youth will benefit the principles laid down in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (†). IGLYO Chairperson Björn van Roozendaal says: “Principles of non-discrimination, dignity and access to education for children and young people were at last agreed upon by this convention which most countries signed an ratified in 1990†. There are millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people around the world are victims of violence, humiliation, discrimination and exclusion. These acts violently scoff at human dignity, and political leaders around the world can no longer neglect this situation.”

The UN Convention strongly contrasts with young LGBT people’s realities today. “The convention aims at people under 18—of whom many are not heterosexual.” In the international discourse, many homophobes present the idea that there is a “dangerous relation” between homosexuality and minors. This argument is highly offensive and humiliating; IGLYO strongly rejects it. There are as few reasons to doubt the sexual orientation of young LGBT people as there are to question young heterosexuals’ identities. In addition the argument violates the Convention, as it contributes to indignity for LGBT young people’.

IGLYO reiterates that the often presented link between paedophilia and homosexuality fosters social exclusion of young LGBT people. IGLYO strongly condemns paedophile acts. “It is desolating that youth around the world continuously finds itself victim of such vile acts. It has no link to their own sexual orientation, or this of paedophiles. There is no scientific basis to claim a link between paedophilia and homosexuality, and it is unacceptable that this retarded prejudice is still taken for truth in many political spheres.”

IGLYO continuously combats the current barriers for young LGBT people to access and enjoy health, education, dignity and protection; these barriers must belong to the past. Bruno Selun, IGLYO Board member, says: “World leaders must realise the promised dream of freedom from discrimination, and foster a spirit of understanding, tolerance, peace and universal brotherhood. Unfortunately, for many young LGBT people this dream is still far away from their realities, as their governments continue building structures that foster hatred, indignity and fear. Let us take the future of children and young people worldwide more seriously —all of them, with no exception.”

Reference:

†: The United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child:

http://www.ohchr.org/english/countries/ratification/11.htm

For more information please contact:
Björn van Roozendaal, IGLYO Chairperson: bjorn@iglyo.com
Bruno Selun, IGLYO Board Member: bruno@iglyo.com

Note for editors:
(1) IGLYO is the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organisation and works to combat the discrimination and persecution of young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth · www.iglyo.com

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