Human Rights/ LGBTI Specialist

Details

Mission and objectives

OHCHR TLS organization mission TBD

Context

The Untied Nation Human Rights Adviser’s Unit (HRAU) works for the promotion and protection of the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex & Queer (LGBTIQ) people. In particular, the HRAU works with partners to raise awareness on the rights of LGBTIQ students in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is a party to several international human rights treaties, which include commitments. The Untied Nation Human Rights Adviser’s Unit (HRAU) works for the promotion and protection of the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex & Queer (LGBTIQ) people. In particular, the HRAU works with partners to raise awareness on the rights of LGBTIQ students in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is a party to several international human rights treaties, which include commitments to prohibit, prevent and punish discrimination of all kinds, as well as to make education inclusive for all. These commitments have yet to be fully implemented in regard to LGBTIQ youth. Even though the country has developed some relevant inclusive educational policies, access to education is still not equally available for al, despite it is a human right that must be protected for all. In this regard, educational entities and their staff have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment at their institutions, where students feel safe to be open (if they wish to) about their sexuality or gender identity. Schools and universities must also make all students feel that they belong and that their contributions are valued, without being discriminated or bullied by school staff or other students. However, teachers and other school staff may have a lack of knowledge or experience about issues involving LGBTIQ persons. For example, they might not be aware about the differences between sex, gender and sexuality; they might not understand the personal struggles that LGBTIQ students may be going through; they might not know how to listen to LGBTIQ students and to support them; or they might not be aware about which type of language they should be using while approaching the matter. Young people are particularly vulnerable and struggling with sexuality and gender identity. The lack of support from family and friends compounds this vulnerability. Thus, it is important that LGBTIQ students (and their families) have the same opportunities as other students to engage with their learning and be able to participate in all school activities without being subjected to the fear of abuse or bullying which is a reality for many LGBTIQ students. Recent studies in Timor-Leste suggest that access to education is not equitable. A report issued by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in partnership with the HRAU, on Discrimination and Access to Education of LGBTQ students in Timor-Leste, revealed that school rules and discrimination based on SOGIESC has led students to withdraw from schools in the country. As a result, many LGBTQ people see their exclusion enhanced and likely become limited to mostly low paying jobs in the future. In addition to being a right on its own, accessing education in equal terms as other students, free from discrimination, will support LGBTIQ students to empower themselves and in the future to access better job opportunities. This, in turns, will contribute to diminish the level of marginalization and vulnerability of LGBTIQ persons.

Task description

OHCHR/HRAU is seeking the services of a national UNV to 1) Support the development and implement of the project funded by United Nations Free and Equal (UNFE), focused on improving the inclusiveness of schools and universities in the country towards LGBTIQ students; 2) Coordinate and prepare meetings and events with relevant partners, including invitations, logistics and budget; 3) Provide training for teachers, other school/university staff and public officials, for a better understanding about SOGIESC, as well as about how to build inclusive schools to prevent discrimination and bullying, including violence, against LGBTIQ students; 4) Develop joint awareness raising and sensitization campaigns at educational institutions on SOGIESC and the rights of LGBTIQ students; 5) Extend technical support to relevant educational institutions to develop/review policies, strategies and curriculum on diversity and inclusion, to recognize the existence and validity of different gender identities and expressions, as well as sexual orientation; 6) Liaise with civil society organizations working on LGBTIQ issues for the establishment of partnerships with educational institutions and actors; 7) Support the development of mechanisms for data monitoring, collection and analysis on the incidence of discrimination, harassment and bullying at educational facilities; 8) Identify and make available relevant books and online resources in schools and universities for LGBTQ students, educators and others interested in the subject; 9) Support the development of other initiatives agreed upon with educational facilities to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic behaviour, including violence