Stating that the LGBTI people are more vulnerable and marginalised in the society, especially during the coronavirus epidemic, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for protecting the rights of these people and not to discriminate them.
“For LGBTI people, home may not be a safe place to be. Given #StayAtHome restrictions and lockdown measures, we need to make sure they have access to shelter and support during this #COVID19 crisis,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in a tweet.
She said that LGBTI people were among the most vulnerable and marginalised in several societies. She also warned that these people may not seek treatment in countries where same sex relations are criminalised or trans people targeted.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that there were reports of discrimination against these people at health centres even before coronavirus epidemic. It also said that there were reports that these people were blamed in some countries for spreading the virus. They said that police in some countries also attacked LGBTI organizations.
Moreover, the commissioner pointed out that several of LGBTI youth were now confined in hostile environments with unsupportive family members.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has come up with certain guidelines for everyone to follow. It has asked the countries to take measures so that these people are never discriminated and all their rights are protected.
