The seventh edition of the United Nations Trans Advocacy Week [TAW] will take place in June-July 2023. This year, we are delighted to be hosting UN TAW in person.
What is UN TAW?
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.
Who is participating?
From 2020 – 2022, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, UN TAW was held virtually. However, this year we are delighted to be hosting UN TAW in person once again, with 14 participants coming from Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
UN TAW 2023 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
What is the UN Human Rights Council?
The council is made up of representatives from 47 member countries responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. 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 UN Human Rights’s Council (OHCHR) website.
Why is TAW 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, 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.
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!