A rainbow-coloured pedestrian crossing has been unveiled outside the United Nations headquarters in New York.

It is part of the 'Path2Equality' campaign by the UN Free & Equal group.

The group, launched in 2013, is a global public education campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality.

Image via @UN_Spokesperson on Twitter

"A project of the United Nations Human Rights Office, UN Free & Equal raises awareness of homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, and promotes greater respect for the rights of LGBT people everywhere.

"The campaign engages millions of people around the world in conversations to help promote the fair treatment of LGBT people and generate support for measures to protect their rights."

The #Path2Equality now runs across 1st Avenue. Thanks to @free_equal, @NYCMayorsOffice, & @GlobalNYC! #LoveIsGREAT pic.twitter.com/vTZR9BE6Uu

— UKUN_NewYork (@UKUN_NewYork) September 18, 2016

Similar multi-coloured crossings have been seen in Sydney, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Vancouver and London.

There have been calls for an Irish version in the Ranelagh area of Dublin.

But a petition, set up in May, has only garnered 643 signatures.

While back in May, the UN Free & Equal group asked people to help create a video that captures some of the strength and spirit that LGBT activists and allies bring to their work.

And last year, it marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia with a campaign video, 'Faces' - challenging audiences to see the people behind the labels 'lesbian', 'gay', 'bisexual', 'transgender' and 'intersex'.

The video was launched on giant screens in New York City’s Times Square, where it played repeatedly throughout the day.

The UN says the launch generated extensive press interest in both mainstream and LGBT community.