UN Trans Advocacy Week is an international advocacy initiative that brings trans and gender diverse community leaders to the United Nations. Started in 2017, trans and gender diverse human rights activists are brought to UN spaces in Geneva to engage in international advocacy, delve into ways in which human rights defenders can engage with UN Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures, and interact with senior UN officials and Special Procedures mandate holders.
This initiative is coordinated by six partners:
- Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE)
- Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN)
- Transgender Europe (TGEU)
- East Africa Trans and Health Advocacy Network (EATHAN)
- Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL)
- International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World)
Who participated?
Sixteen trans and gender diverse activists from Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and Eastern Europe and Central Asia attended the first week of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Participants were empowered with valuable knowledge and practical skills to champion the rights of trans communities, advance sustainable development, and gain insight into international law and mechanisms. This engagement enhanced their comprehension of global interactions and interconnections among nations and deepened their awareness of the pressing global issues and contemporary challenges intertwined with the well-being of trans communities. By actively engaging in this opportunity, participants have fortified their role as agents of positive change, amplifying their voices as dedicated advocates for their communities and catalyzing tangible, transformative impacts.
The program for participants included workshops on UN Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, and UPR Processes, as well as opportunities to make statements at Human Rights Council sessions and take part in closed-door meetings with senior officials, including Special Procedures mandate holders.
Full Calendar of Events
- Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 June – Orientation for delegates
- Monday 16 June, 19:00-21:30 – Queer as Punk Film Screening with Roundtable
- Tuesday 17 June, 16:00-18:30 – Side Event: Defunding Equality: The Global Impact of Aid Cuts on Trans Rights and the Path Forward, followed by networking reception
Throughout the week, delegates also met with various UN Bodies and Permanent Missions, and attended several Interactive Dialogues that took place during the first week of the Human Rights Council.
Check out some of the statements delivered by trans and gender diverse activists during UN TAW 2025.