ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR's) legacy for equality and non-discrimination in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, at the global level, at the regional level and in domestic jurisdictions with a focus on the United Kingdom. It examines the pace of change since 1948, as well as progress to be achieved–in the legal, policy and social spheres. The Yogyakarta Principles are a set of binding principles that show how international human rights law applies to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Global disharmony concerning the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people means that they continue to be excluded from the explicit protection of international human rights instruments, and this shows little sign of imminent change. The debate at the Human Rights Council illustrated the UDHR's potential to be treated as all things to all people and both sides citing the principle of universality in human rights.
