UNICEF Position Paper: Eliminating Discrimination Against Children and Parents Based on Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity

This document puts forth UNICEF’s position on the elimination of discrimination against children and parents based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. UNICEF adheres to both the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which make clear that human rights are universal. No person, whether child or adult, should be discriminated or denied any of their universal human rights, freedoms, and basic opportunities based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

UNICEF’s mandate is to promote and protect the rights of children. UNICEF will continue working to protect all children from discrimination, including those who identify as LGBT, and we urge governments to safeguard their youngest citizens from violence or threat of reprisal for exercising their rights.