UN council votes to keep researching abuses for LGBT people despite US U-turn

By Emma Farge

GENEVA (Reuters) -The U.N. Human Rights Council voted on Monday to renew the mandate of an LGBT rights expert, a move welcomed by advocates amid the absence of the United States, a former key supporter that is now rolling back such protections.

Western diplomats had previously voiced concerns about the renewal of the mandate of South African scholar Graeme Reid who helps to boost protections by documenting abuses and through dialogue with countries.

The motion for a three-year renewal passed with 29 votes in favour, 15 against and three abstentions. Supporters included Chile, Germany, Kenya and South Africa while several African nations and Qatar opposed it.

"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 campaign group ILGA World.

The United States, which has disengaged from the council under President Donald Trump, citing an alleged antisemitic bias, was previously a supporter of the mandate under the Biden administration.

Since taking office in January, Trump has signed executive orders to curb transgender rights and dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the government and private sector.

His administration says such steps restore fairness, but civil rights and LGBT advocates say they make marginalised groups more vulnerable.

In negotiations before the vote, Pakistan voiced opposition to the mandate on behalf of Muslim group OIC, calling it a tool to advocate "controversial views".

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)