UN Extends LGBT Mandate Despite U.S. Pullback

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics USA

Human Rights Council extends global SOGI expert’s term, defying growing anti-LGBT pressure.

NEW YORK, NY — (JULY 8, 2025) — In a decisive move watched closely by LGBTQ advocates worldwide, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted to extend the mandate of its Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) — a vital position that investigates violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals globally.

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This renewal comes despite a notable shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration, which has withdrawn its former support for the role. The vote, passed by a margin of 29 in favor, 15 against, and 3 abstentions, ensures the expert’s work will continue for an additional three years, underlining the UN’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ human rights.

Global Mandate, Local Retreat: U.S. Policy Shift Raises Eyebrows

While the expert’s work has been broadly praised by human rights organizations, the United States’ decision to step back from endorsing the renewal has sent troubling signals.

“The renewal of this mandate is a spark of hope in a time when reactionary powers worldwide are trying to dismantle progress that our communities fought so hard to achieve,” said Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World.

The move by the Trump administration underscores a wider rollback in U.S. engagement with international LGBTQ rights bodies — a pattern first seen during his previous term. Civil society advocates fear that this retreat sends the wrong message to governments currently emboldening anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies.

A Civil Society Victory Backed by 1,259 Organizations

The renewed mandate didn’t come without a fight. Over 1,259 non-governmental organizations from 157 States and territories united in a campaign urging the Human Rights Council to reaffirm its position.

The resolution was presented by a Core Group of six Latin American nations — Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Uruguay — and co-sponsored by 50 additional countries, spanning all regions.

“This renewal is a powerful response to a rising tide of anti-rights rhetoric that has sought to target LGBT and gender diverse people across the globe,” said Fabiana Leibl, Programme Manager at ISHR.

What the Independent Expert Does — And Why It Matters

Created in 2016, the Independent Expert on SOGI is tasked with:

Investigating violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Producing reports and recommendations on LGBTQ rights protections.
Advising UN agencies, governments, and civil society.
Amplifying the voices of LGBTQ communities in human rights fora.

Since its creation, the mandate has produced 17 detailed reports, conducted official visits to 11 countries, and submitted communications on alleged human rights violations to 171 states.

The position is currently held by Graeme Reid, a respected South African human rights scholar.

Past Achievements, Future Challenges

The reports generated by the SOGI mandate have spotlighted:

The criminalization of same-sex relationships.
The lack of legal gender recognition.
The plight of LGBTQ asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons.

Despite backlash from conservative and authoritarian regimes, the expert’s findings have contributed to real legal reforms and greater global visibility of LGBTQ human rights issues.

Global Pushback Is Growing

Many of the 15 nations that voted against the mandate have increasingly embraced anti-LGBT legislation or nationalist rhetoric. Observers warn that without sustained international pressure, the rights of LGBTQ individuals risk being pushed back further — particularly in regions already plagued by discrimination and violence.

This vote represents a critical counterweight to that trend — but only if governments actively cooperate with the expert and allow open engagement.

The Fight Continues: Global Voices Call for Cooperation

As the expert’s role is renewed, civil society groups are urging all governments to:

Fully cooperate with the mandate.
Implement recommendations to combat discrimination.
Strengthen domestic protections for LGBTQ citizens.

“Through his work, the Independent Expert will continue to champion visibility for these communities and the legitimacy of their cause,” said ISHR’s Leibl.

Final Thoughts

In a world facing rising authoritarianism and regressive policies, the UN’s renewal of the SOGI mandate sends a clear message: LGBTQ rights are human rights. While the U.S. may have stepped back, the global community has stepped forward.

And at JRL CHARTS, we’ll continue monitoring how these global mandates impact LGBTQ communities — especially as domestic and international politics collide in the 2026 election cycle.