A/HRC/19/41 VI. Emerging responses 74. There are many examples, in all regions, of initiatives developed by States and nonState entities that seek to address violence and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. While all such initiatives are too numerous to mention, the examples below illustrate the kinds of actions identified in the course of preparing the present study. 75. Many Member States have instituted training programmes for law-enforcement officials to sensitize them to bias-motivated violence against LGBT persons and help them to recognize, register and respond to reports of such crimes. In some countries, including Spain and Honduras, special prosecutors have been appointed to investigate and bring cases to trial. In South Africa, a national task team on homophobic and transphobic hate crime has been established following consultations with the LGBT community. 136 Some States, including Brazil, Ecuador, Germany, the Netherlands and Uruguay, have used the Yogyakarta Principles to help guide policy responses to incidents of violence and discrimination.137 76. There are many examples of public information campaigns, sometimes developed with State support, designed to address societal prejudice. In Brazil, the Government has supported a public education campaign implemented under the slogan “Brazil without Homophobia”. Similar initiatives, often led by civil society, have been launched in countries in all regions. Celebrities have played an important role as message-carriers in such campaigns. 77. Examples of initiatives to counter homophobia and transphobia in educational institutions include teacher-training programmes, the establishment of “safe spaces” for LGBT youths in schools, and awareness-raising campaigns. In Australia, the publiclyfunded Safe Schools Coalition (www.safeschoolscoalitionvictoria.org.au) offers teacher training and learning materials. In China, the Boys and Girls Clubs Association of Hong Kong (www.bgca.org.hk) offers counselling in schools and youth centres. In Ireland, an anti-homophobia video shown in schools has been watched by half a million people online.138 In the United States, gay-straight alliances or clubs have been established in more than 4,000 high schools.139 78. National human rights institutions can play an important role. For example, in 2011, the Kenya Human Rights Commission produced the report, “The Outlawed Amongst Us: A Study of the LGBTI Community‟s Search for Equality and Non-Discrimination in Kenya”. The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions has facilitated dialogue among member institutions, with positive contributions from national institutions in 136 137 138 139 See www.justice.gov.za/m_statements/2011/20110504_lbgti-taskteam.html (accessed 9 November 2011). While not legally binding, the Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity provide guidance to States on related human rights issues and legal standards. In the universal periodic review process, several Governments have committed to using the Principles in future policy development. In addition, the Organization of American States may consider the creation of a special rapporteur on LGBT-related violations. For more information, see www.belongto.org. For more information, see www.glsen.org. 23