The UN Human Rights Committee issued its concluding observations based on the seventh periodic report of the Russian Federation. A special place in the document was given to the list of issues and recommendations related to the rights of LGBT individuals.

For the first time in the practice of international law, the Human Rights Committee has pointed out to the authorities of Russia the need to take into account the hate motive in the investigation of homophobic and transphobic crimes.

This means the provisions of the Russian Criminal Code that recognize the hate motive against any "social group" as an aggravating circumstance can now be used protect the rights of LGBT people. Law enforcement agencies and the courts will have to specifically investigate the motive of attacks on people on the grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Read More