Egyptian delegate at the United Nations, Amr Ramadan, boycotted the selection of an expert on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) discrimination at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The selection process screened candidates for the position of an independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
According to the council, the expert should “assess the implementation of existing international human rights instruments with regard to ways to overcome violence and discrimination against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to identify and address the root causes of violence and discrimination”.
In June, 23 states voted for the resolution, while 18 states voted against it. Egypt spearheaded the 18 states.
Yet, Egypt is one of five countries who will be responsible for choosing the candidate.
Ramadan previously said that “these practices” are refused by large segments in different societies and cultures, and that “these lifestyles” are propagated by the west. He added that appointing an expert on the matter would be a “dangerous issue”, as it gives “these elements” the right to marriage and adoption, which the Egyptian diplomat described as conflicting with the International Law of Human Rights and National Sovereignty.
Ramadan added that the Egyptian delegation refused the appointment of the expert as “it conflicts with Egyptian morals” and that the delegation coordinated with other Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, who were against the decision.
