UN Trans Advocacy Week is an international advocacy initiative that brings trans and gender diverse community leaders to the United Nations.
Since 2017, trans and gender diverse human rights activists have been 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 will participate?
Trans and gender diverse activists from Armenia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Malaysia, Belarus, Georgia & Kyrgyzstan will attend the first week of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva this year.
What will they learn?
Participants will be 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 will also:
- enhance their comprehension of global interactions and interconnections among nations and
- deepen their awareness of the pressing global issues and contemporary challenges intertwined with the well-being of trans communities.
Participants will strengthen their role as agents of positive change, amplify their voices as dedicated advocates for their communities, and catalyze tangible, transformative impacts.
What is the program?
The program for participants will include:
- workshops on UN Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, and UPR Processes
- opportunities to make statements at Human Rights Council sessions and
- taking part in closed-door meetings with senior officials, including Special Procedures mandate holders.