Volker Türk, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, said 45% of LGBT youth report being bullied at school, highlighting the scale of discrimination faced by young people. Türk added that more than one in three countries still criminalise consensual same sex relations, with some maintaining the death penalty for such conduct.
Türk said recent developments show an escalation in restrictive laws. Burkina Faso has criminalised same sex relations, while Senegal has increased prison sentences for such acts from five years to 10 years. Türk noted that similar legislation is under consideration in countries, including Ghana.
Türk warned that these legal measures are often accompanied by broader restrictions on freedom of expression. Türk said several countries enforce laws limiting the dissemination of information related to LGBTIQ+ issues, with similar policies reported in Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Türk cautioned that normalising discrimination can have wider consequences for society. Türk said history demonstrates that acceptance of hate against one group can lead to broader repression.
The report also highlighted law enforcement actions targeting LGBTIQ+ individuals and activists in countries including Cameroon, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, Tunisia and Türkiye. Türk said political rhetoric in some regions is contributing to increased online abuse, particularly against transgender individuals.
Türk referred to global elections held in 2024, noting that around 85% of countries surveyed in a study by Outright International featured anti-LBGTIQ+ messaging during campaigns. Türk said elections are increasingly being used to amplify divisive narratives.
Despite these challenges, some countries have made progress. Saint Lucia and Botswana have decriminalised same sex relations, while Nepal has elected a transgender woman to parliament for the first time.
Türk also welcomed a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in April, which found that Hungary’s restrictions on content related to sexual orientation and gender identity violate fundamental rights.
Türk called on governments to repeal discriminatory laws, investigate violations and hold perpetrators accountable. Türk added that both governments and technology companies must take stronger action to address online abuse and hate speech.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
