UN Human Rights Committee urges Lithuania to act on LGBT rights

In its concluding observations adopted at its review of Lithuania held on 9–27 of July, the United Nations Human Rights Committee makes recommendations on human rights in Lithuania. In this report the Committee expresses concern over discrimination against LGBT and Roma people, domestic violence, and alleged secret detention centres.
The Committee is concerned over the increasing negative attitudes towards and stigmatisation of LGBT persons in Lithuanian society. In particular, the Committee expresses concerns that certain legal instruments such as the Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information may be applied in a manner unduly restrictive of the freedom of expression guaranteed under the Covenant and may have the effect of justifying discrimination against LGBT individuals. The Committee is, furthermore, concerned at various legislative proposals, including amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, the Constitution, and the Civil Code which, were they to be adopted, would impact negatively on the enjoyment of fundamental rights by LGBT individuals.
The Committee recommends that Lithuania takes all necessary measures to ensure that its legislation is not interpreted and applied in a discriminatory manner against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Furthermore, the Committee calls for broad awareness-raising campaigns, as well as trainings for law enforcement officials, to counter negative sentiments against LGBT individuals.
The UN committee also urges Lithuania to set up a national human rights institution and provide efficient resources for proper implementation of the law on domestic violence, improve the living conditions of the Roma community and take measures against LGBT discrimination.