Over 500 participants in LGBTI world conference in Bangkok

More than 500 delegates are participating in the world conference of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) which began here on Wednesday.

Decriminalisation of LGBTI people, combating violence, violations and protection of rights of LGBTI refugees are key issues that NGOs from around the world would discuss during the conference, Efe news reported.

The association, made of more than 1,000 organisations in 125 countries, would conduct lectures and workshops on problems and challenges faced by the LGBTI collective till Friday.

ILGA General Secretary Ruth Baldacchino said during the inauguration that the association represents many groups and identities and as a movement, it has a history of resistance against marginalisation.

The renowned Maltese activist stressed that ILGA would challenge systems and oppressive practices that criminalise, cripple or kill LGBTI people.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights data, 76 countries have laws that criminalise and discriminate against people for their sexual orientation and gender identity.

In Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Mauritius and Sudan consensual homosexual relations are punished with the death penalty.

On the other hand, 100 countries have prohibited job discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and have decriminalised relations between people of the same sex.

--IANS

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