GENEVA (7 June 2021) –The UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Victor Madrigal-Borloz, will visit Tunisia from 8 to 18 June 2021. “The visit provides an important opportunity to assess the implementation of human rights standards to combat violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender-diverse people in the country,” said Madrigal-Borloz. “During my visit I will assess the progress towards the elimination of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and highlight remaining gaps and challenges, and provide recommendations to relevant stakeholders. “I will also explore root causes of violence and discrimination, including the impact of the criminalization of same-sex relationships between consenting adults and social prejudice,” the expert said. “I look forward to engaging with Government authorities, religious leaders, civil society representatives and others.” Victor Madrigal-Borloz, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, is visiting the country at the invitation of the Government. He will travel to Tunis, Sousse and Sfax to meet representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, religious leaders, civil society organisations working on issues related to the human rights of LGBT people, and others. A press conference will be held in Tunis on Friday 18 June 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Les Côtes de Carthage Gammarth, to share preliminary findings with the media. Access to the conference room will be limited to journalists. The expert will present his findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2022. ENDS