Joint statement by 16 trans activists from the Global South and East at the Trans Advocacy Week 2025
At the 59th Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Adela Petrova delivered a statement on behalf of 15 trans and gender diverse activists from the Global South and East.
“Mr. President,
In recent years, regressive policies have been accelerating displacement. So-called “LGBT propaganda” laws and pride bans were passed in Hungary, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. Georgia proposed anti-trans constitutional amendments and banned access to trans-specific healthcare; Russia, Bulgaria, Georgia and Hungary banned legal gender recognition; Türkiye moved to criminalise LGBT expression; and trans people’s right to non-discrimination in the United Kingdom stands restricted following a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of “woman.”
Displaced trans people often face profound challenges with belonging in the country of destination, including mental health crises, being excluded from legal recognition processes and access to trans-specific healthcare. Therefore, prioritising the human rights of trans people remains important, including in mechanisms such as the UPR.
As a trans person in Bulgaria, I live in constant fear of discrimination and violence. Documents that do not reflect my identity undermine my sense of security, dignity and opportunities as a citizen. This constant anxiety is taking a serious toll on my mental wellbeing. If I leave my home, it should be by choice, not due to repression.
Independent Expert, thank you for your important report. We ask you: How do you plan to follow up on the implementation of your recommendations and involve IOM, UNHCR, and other UN actors?
Thank you.”