Will Ban Ki-moon extend his authority to LGBT-friendly mobility plans?

LGBT advocates wonder if the United Nations will turn its attention to an inclusive mobility policy, which is currently under review and another area LGBT staff members feel excludes same-sex spouses in its present form.

By // 01 April 2015

Russia’s failed bid to curtail same-sex couple benefits at the United Nations was a complicated issue, challenging both LGBTI rights and the authority of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to establish administrative policies at the U.N.

Now, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex advocates and allies wonder if Ban’s authority will extend to U.N. mobility policy, currently under review — and another area LGBTI staff members feel excludes same-sex spouses in its present form.

“I don't think the support for same-sex benefits was for the secretary-general a stand on [gay rights], but more on his authority and ability to issue instruction,” said Alfonso Nam, president of U.N. Globe, the staff group representing LGBTI staff members of the U.N. system and its peacekeeping operations.

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About the author

  • Kelli Rogers

    Kelli Rogers

    Kelli Rogers has worked as an Associate Editor and Southeast Asia Correspondent for Devex, with a particular focus on gender. Prior to that, she reported on social and environmental issues from Nairobi, Kenya. Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, and has reported from more than 20 countries.

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