New York, Sept. 23 -- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has warned of an escalating global backlash against LGBTIQ+ people, describing the persecution and restrictions they face as a "comprehensive onslaught" and calling for a stronger international human rights response.

Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Turk said the movement for equal rights of LGBTIQ+ people had contributed to broader progress in societies but warned that a "deep and coordinated" backlash was now threatening those gains.

"The history of the movement for equal rights is full of courage, dignity, and solidarity. And it is an integral part of the broader human rights movement - not something separ...