11th Session of the Working Group on the Smuggling of Migrants Agenda Item 5: Other Matters (11 and 12 July) Joint Statement against Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)  By Islamic Republic of Iran  On behalf of the following Member States: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Republic of Belarus, Burkina Faso, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Malaysia, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Russian Federation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of the Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Türkiye, the Republic of Uganda. Madam and Mr. Co-Chairs, It is a matter of serious concern that the Secretariat has issued a background paper CTOC/COP/WG.7/2024/3” in clear defiance of the established practice and norm required to refrain from using controversial concept that contradict the principle of respect for cultural diversity and state sovereignty as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law. The inclusion of SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) is a highly divisive and unacceptable concept to many states, as it goes beyond the scope of the UNODC's mandates and lacks any basis in international law, including human rights law, We would like to raise our deep regret regarding any attempt at normalization of the controversial terminology and concept of SOGI which is socially and legally contentious worldwide. The use of such terms in UNODC’s documents has misleading normative implications. Furthermore, these concepts run contrary to the social, cultural and religious peculiarities of the majority of UN Member States. They also undercut shared values of respect for diversity. Taking into account that currently diversified views exist among Member States regarding some aspect of the nature of gender, we believe that the secretariat shall avoid getting involved with controversial issues, to receive the full support of and collaboration from all Member States. Last but not least, it should be stressed that the arbitrary creation of categories of the so-called rights holders based on their personal choices such as “sexual orientation” is unacceptable and any reference by the UNODC secretariat in its background documents is categorically rejected.Thank you.