The Council of Europe’s Expert Committee on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC) held its second meeting in Strasbourg on 29–30 October 2024, bringing together member states representatives to advance equality initiatives for LGBTI persons across Europe.
A significant part of the meeting focused on progressing a Council of Europe Recommendation concerning the rights of intersex persons, a new international standard that aims to promote legal and policy changes that support the dignity and recognition of intersex individuals in member states. This Recommendation, informed by recent input from UN human rights mechanisms, will be reviewed for adoption by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers next year.
The committee also reviewed the implementation of Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5, which addresses discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As part of this work, a thematic review focused on hate speech targeting LGBTI communities is planned for 2025, with several member states expressing interest in hosting related events aimed at fostering national dialogue.
Additionally, the committee began discussions to shape a strategy on LGBTI equality set to cover 2027–2032. The strategy is expected to focus on emerging challenges and build a framework for more coordinated efforts across member states, supporting the Council of Europe’s broader human rights goals.
Elections held during the meeting confirmed Yuri de Boer from the Netherlands as Chair and Aaron Giardina from Malta as Vice-Chair untill the end of 2025, with Milena Čalić-Jelić from Croatia stepping into the role of Gender Equality Rapporteur. These leadership roles will guide ADI-SOGIESC’s work as it continues to advocate for inclusive policies across the Council of Europe’s member states.
City of Vienna - Good practices on local LGBT policy.
