At a meeting of the UN LGBTI Core Group in New York, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered a sharp warning: governments must resist growing disinformation and hostility against LGBTI people, or risk undoing decades of progress.

Türk described a global “backlash” driven by false claims, scapegoating, and politicised rhetoric. He noted that hate speech and legislative rollbacks have grown in multiple regions, from Europe to Africa to parts of Asia. In some countries, proposed laws would restrict education on sexuality, block legal recognition, or even criminalise advocacy.

The High Commissioner stressed that these moves violate international law. He urged governments to choose empowerment over oppression, warning that attacks on minorities weaken democracy as a whole. “When one group is targeted, the fabric of society is torn,” he said.

Civil society leaders at the event echoed these concerns. Activists from Africa and Eastern Europe described rising threats to their safety. They urged UN member states to fund protections, share accurate information, and support local groups.

The speech comes as international bodies mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on gender equality. Advocates say the timing is critical, with global debates about rights intensifying in the run-up to major elections in several countries.

Türk’s call underscores a growing belief that defending LGBTI rights requires not only local activism but also coordinated global action. UN officials pledged to expand training programs for police, judges, and teachers to counter prejudice at every level.

For campaigners, the speech was both a warning and a rallying cry. It reminded governments that equality is not optional, but a core obligation.