CHR Marcin Wiącek met with UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity
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The implementation of human rights standards for combating violence and discrimination against LGBT people was the focus of the UN Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Graeme Reid, visit to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights.
The meeting, which took place on 19 November, was also attended by Brian Griffey from the Office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights and Maciej Kruk, Director of the Executive Operations and International Cooperation Department of the OCHR.
Marcin Wiącek presented the problems of LGBT persons in Poland, in particular through the prism of the activities undertaken by the CHR. He presented his position with regard to the recently presented draft law on civil partnerships, taking into account the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in cases against Poland. The difficulties that the refusal to transcribe foreign birth certificates of children of same-sex couples causes in the legal system were also discussed. Significant attention was also paid to gender reconciliation proceedings and the CHR's activities in this area.
Graeme Reid (South Africa) has been acting as an independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity since 1 November 2023. He conducts research on socio-cultural gender, sexuality, LGBT issues and HIV/AIDS. Prior to his appointment as an independent expert, Graeme Reid served as director of the LGBT rights programme at Human Rights Watch. He has lectured at Yale University and Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, among others. He is also the founder and director of the Gay and Lesbian Archives in South Africa.
