UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY
Statement by Mr. David Hamer, Adviser, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations, New York
3 November 2025
Thank you Chair.
Australia welcomes the Independent Expert’s report on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of the human right to education, and its substantive recommendations, from which we can all learn.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is clear that human rights apply equally to all people, no matter who are or where you are born, and regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Australia remains steadfast in its support for this principle in all facets of life, including school and education. All children have a right to education.
We are deeply concerned by the humiliation, exclusion and violence that LGBTQIA+ students face, as highlighted in the report. And equally concerned by the gaps in institutional and other protections and remedies for bullying and other forms of abuse.
It is well-established that health and wellbeing are central to positive educational and social outcomes. Discrimination, bullying and violence cannot be tolerated or excused.
We thank the Independent Expert for his recommendations, and ask for best practice examples for how we can collect disaggregated data about violence against LGBTQIA+ students, without compromising their safety, in order to improve institutional and other protections and remedies.
Thank you.