United Nations Trans Advocacy Week (UN TAW) is a collective project by non-governmental organizations, offering trans activists a platform to make their voices heard on a global scale and in international human rights spaces. It’s a chance to bring attention to the challenges and discrimination faced by trans and gender diverse people and to promote equality, acceptance, and understanding.
Since 2017, UN Trans Advocacy Week (UN TAW) has been bringing trans and gender diverse human rights defenders to Geneva, Switzerland, to take part in the UN Human Rights Council during the June/July session.
What is the UN Human Rights Council?
The council is made up of representatives from 47 member countries responsible for promoting and protecting all human rights worldwide. These representatives meet regularly to discuss various topics related to human rights, such as freedom of speech, the right to education, and equality for all people. Find out more information on ILGA World’s website and the UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR) website.
Who is participating in the Trans Advocacy Week?
In June 2024, we will be bringing 16 participants from all regions of the world to the 56th Human Rights Council in Geneva. UN TAW 2024 is being co-organized by the following organizations:
- Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN)
- East Africa Trans Health and Advocacy Network (EATHAN)
- Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE)
- ILGA World
- Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights (RFSL)
- TGEU: Transgender Europe & Central Asia
Why is Trans Advocacy Week important for the trans movement?
Trans Advocacy Week is about helping participants enhance their understanding of international advocacy mechanisms. It provides a fundamental opportunity for trans and gender diverse community leaders to engage in international advocacy, delves 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.
Participants are supported in enhancing their understanding of international advocacy mechanisms and identifying ways to strengthen their local advocacy through engaging and interacting with relevant UN bodies and mechanisms.
Do you have any other questions about Trans Advocacy Week? Let us know!