The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) voted last week to renew the mandate of an LGBT rights expert. The motion for a three-year renewal passed with 29 votes in favor and 15 against. The opposition consisted of many African States and Qatar. The United States was also absent in this decision, as the country has withdrawn collaboration with the UNHRC since President Donald Trump's second term. On the other side, supporters included Chile, Germany, Kenya, and South Africa. One individual in particular, Julia Ehrt, executive director of campaign group ILGA World, voiced the victory amongst the supporters of the renewal of the mandate. She articulated how this renewal is a beacon of hope in a time when progress for these communities is trying to be dismantled.
Compiled From: Emma Farge, “UN Council votes to keep researching abuses for LGBT people despite US U-turn,” Reuters, Jul 7, 2025.