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

During   the 73rd ordinary session of the African commission on Human And Peoples Rights, the Commission considered and rejected applications for Observer Status of three (3) NGOs- Alternative Cote d'Ivoire; Human Rights First Rwanda; and Synergía – Initiatives for Human Rights, on the grounds that sexual orientation is not an expressly recognized right or freedom under the African Charter, and contrary to the virtues of African values, as envisaged by the African Charter.

The communique can be accessed here:

https://achpr.au.int/index.php/en/news/final-communiques/2022-11-18/final-communique-73rd-ordinary-session-african-commission-human

This is contrary to   resolution 275 (lv) that was adopted by the same commission in 2014   on Protection against Violence and other Human Rights Violations against Persons on the basis of their real or imputed Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.

Human Rights first Rwanda Association and the other two organizations have mobilized 19 organizations to come up with an advocacy statement to challenge the appalling decision. You can sign the attached statement  and spread it to your networks and thank you for the continued support on advocating for vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged sexual minority groups.

in solidarity!

• Statement for endorsement kindly sign at the end (PDF)