Every Man’s Land

Animesh Ranjan, reporting from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), has a dialogue with the Chairperson of the committee, Mr. Akshay Aravindan, in order to figure out the developments.

When the UNHRC set the agenda over the issue of discrimination with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT), they had a lot of expectations. The Executive Board (EB) did take some steps in order to ensure that this also runs in the smoothest and most efficient manner possible.

The member nations clearly stated that they wished to see a change in the society. However, they do not want the changes to be disruptive for the society. They wish to see some small changes being implemented as a part of a series of steps. For example, providing them with the right to live in some nations. However, it is important to understand that change has to be very gradual in nature. Otherwise, there could be many unwanted interferences in society.

In order to ensure that these changes take place, we have to pave a way for it. This begins with a proper resolution. Instead of building a complex Draft Resolution which does not see the light of the day, we need to take baby steps and ensure that reaching a common ground on issues as sensitive as this.

In response to why he proceeded with an unconventional approach, Mr. Akshay told us that he felt the need to do that in an agenda as broad as the one at hand. According to him, there were certain sub-agendas within this agenda. There was a need to address those issues in a detailed manner. The Chair went on to mention how it is important to reach a middle ground.

The countries had to tweak with their foreign policies in order to accomplish this goal. However, according to the chairperson of the council, when it comes to foreign policies, people tend to think of them as more fluid than they actually are. As a delegate, one needs to understand what aspects of their foreign policy they should compromise on. The middle ground is what everyone should strive for.