Uphold sexual minority rights in the great lakes

Millions of people around the world face human rights violations because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). These violations are often ignored or given insufficient attention by governments, especially when they are committed by government authorities themselves. 

For the past three months Human Rights First Rwanda and its partners namely Alternative Cote d’Ivoire,Synergía – Initiatives for Human Rights. who were denied observe status by the African Commission because the three organizations have beneficiaries who are sexual minorities have been raising awareness of the repercussion of denying Observe status of organizations that protect Sexual minorities rights.

The wider implication is that the decision will affect other organizations which include those that protect the rights of Gender minorities, Transgender persons and lesbians, it may also discourage other organizations who would want to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community.

In this context, the ability of human rights defenders to engage with the African commission and use its mechanisms to put pressure on states to make positive change becomes even more important.

With your continued support we shall continue engaging with various CSOs so as to bring them on board towards this advocacy campaign.

Links:

• Statement of Rejection of Observe status