Sexual orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics
The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit was set up in 2014 to address human rights challenges identified by Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. In particular, it provides technical support and expertise to member states, upon request, through cooperation activities aiming at improving the legal and institutional frameworks, builds capacity of administration staff, the judiciary and law enforcement among others, and also promotes the sharing of good practices and raises awareness. Specific themes range from Legal Gender Recognition, the recognition of same-sex couples; combating SOGIESC-based hate crime, hate speech and bullying, as well as multiple and intersectional discrimination (e.g. LBQ women, LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees, LGBTI persons deprived of their liberty; LGBTI youth).
As of 2024, the Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC), a subordinate body to the Steering Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI), is instructed to complete the following deliverables: 1) a draft Recommendation on the equality of rights of intersex persons; 2) a comprehensive review of the implementation of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 based on a new review methodology; 3) a draft Council of Europe strategy for the equality of rights of LGBTI persons (2027-2032), based on the implementation review of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 and, subject to its adoption, on the above-mentioned Recommendation on the equality of rights of intersex persons; 4) a Study on the risks and impediments to the full access to rights resulting from discrimination and violence on grounds of gender expression; 5) a review of thematic dimensions of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5
Civil society in the field of LGBTI is a key partner in the cooperation activities conducted by the SOGIESC Unit in the CoE member States. The following eight LGBTI human rights INGOs are observers to the ADI-SOGIESC and contribute to policy development and standard-setting: EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community (EL*C); European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups; European LGBTI Police Association (EGPA); ILGA Europe; International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Youth & Student Organisation (IGLYO); Organisation Intersex International Europe (OII Europe) ; Rainbow Cities Network (RCN); Transgender Europe (TGEU). The Organisation provides support to civil society in the areas of capacity-building, awareness-raising and sharing of good practices through peer to peer exchanges, research and publications, training on combating hate speech and combating hate crime and promoting the engagement of civil society in consultation processes.
Download the "Working with the Council of Europe" guide - in English - 2,38 MB