The situation of people in the Middle East who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) was recently discussed for the first time by the UN Security Council during what is known as an Arria formula meeting.

This form of meeting is a relatively recent practice, which enables members of the 15-member council to exchange views more flexibly.

Held behind closed doors and co-sponsored by Chile and the United States, the encounter was seen as a sign that the issue is getting more visibility at the United Nations.

The council heard first-hand from an Arab refugee who is gay, in order to better understand the challenges faced by LGBT people in the region.

Ana Carmo reports.

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