Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
New Zealand strongly supports equal rights for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
New Zealand is a strong supporter of the work of the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. We call on states to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert.
We remain deeply concerned by existing laws, policies and practices that criminalize consensual same-sex conduct and relations and the expression of gender identity, resulting in the harassment, arbitrary detention, and prosecution of individuals. We call upon states to repeal these laws and policies.
As highlighted by the Independent Expert’s report, structural drivers of exclusion result in detrimental outcomes for LGBTQI+ persons including in health, education, and economic security. These negative outcomes compromise achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for all communities and leave a significant segment of society behind.
New Zealand is pleased to have recently appointed Louisa Wall as Ambassador for Gender Equality/Tuia Tāngata, holding the LGBTQI+ portfolio. Ambassador Wall has a career in LGBTQI+ advocacy and led work on securing marriage equality in New Zealand.
New Zealand has also partnered with the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network to protect and advance the rights of LGBTQI+ persons in the Pacific region.
In closing, I want to extend New Zealand’s gratitude to Victor Madrigal-Borloz for his excellent work and constructive country engagement in his time as the Independent Expert on SOGI since 2018.
Thank you Mr President.