The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has decided to appoint an “independent expert” to identify the causes of violence and discrimination against gay and transgender people in Vietnam, South Korea and Mongolia.

These are the only three Asian countries to back the UN mandate to protect LGBT rights. The other 23 countries that support the mandate are from Europe and Latin America.

A spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said in statement to journalists in New York: “I can tell you that the Secretary-General believes that the Human Rights Council marked another important step forward when it decided to appoint a UN Independent Expert to monitor and report on levels of violence and discrimination against LGBT people globally.

“It is clear that there’s still so much that needs to be done to protect people from violence, tackle discrimination at work, end bullying in schools and ensure access to healthcare, housing and essential services.”

The expert will be appointed in September, and carry out a three-year term to carry out country visits and take up individual allegations with governments.