Celebrating 10 years of the Yogyakarta Principles: What have we learnt and where to now? There is also a growing need to better understand the relationship of rights addressed in the Principles with other human rights. For example, the rights related to sexual orientation can be better analysed using the international human rights standards in relation to freedom of expression. The other important dimension is to better understand the relationship of the implementation of the Yogyakarta Principles with various state and non-state actors. The 10th anniversary provides a crucial opportunity to reflect on the gains made in the last decade and strategising action to face continuing challenges. It is thus, imperative that the marketing messages of the Principles are presented holistically, with a special focus on tackling violence and discrimination. There is the need to create a better dialogue with all stakeholders in relation to multiple forms of violations, and work out better mechanisms for cooperation and inter-agency support. The newly established mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE-SOGI) includes assessing the implementation of existing international human rights instruments with regard to ways to overcome violence and discrimination against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to identify and address the root causes of violence and discrimination. As the current mandate-holder, Professor Vitit highlighted important ramifications of the mandate and the work of LGBTI advocates. Along with the increased moves by some countries to criminalise same-sex relations, there is an increase in the incidence of violence and discrimination. There are also increasing cases of failure of states to recognise issues related to gender identity, and the increasing need to de-stigmatise being LGBTI. Moreover, the socio-cultural and economic exclusion of individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics has been a serious problem in many parts of the world. However, there is also an increased recognition among scholars and policymakers that such exclusion and discrimination also has a significant economic cost and impact, not only on the individuals, but also on the whole economy. More work is needed to increase empathy and understanding of the rights of LGBTI. To this effect, it was highlighted that special advocacy programmes must be directed towards addressing issues of homophobia, transphobia, violence, stigmatisation, honour crimes and honour killings targeted at LGBTI community. It was also identified that NHRI and civil society advocates could consider ways to use the Independent Expert’s reports (the first of which was due in June 2017) as another tool in their work. 12