Conversion therapy takes place in at least 100 countries, according to the U.N.
A top U.N. expert urged global governments on Monday to ban the "degrading" practise known as conversion therapy, which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
"The practises of conversion therapy are cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment ... (in some cases) they constitute torture," said Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the U.N. independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity.
A survey of more than 8,000 people from 100 countries conducted as part of the U.N. study found 98% of those who had undergone conversion therapy reported suffering some damage.
The U.N. report, which also calls on countries to raise awareness around the risks of conversion therapy, will be presented at the U.N. Human Rights Council session later this month.
