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Status of Lgbti People in Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana and Uganda
STATUS OF LGBTI PEOPLE IN CAMEROON, GAMBIA, GHANA AND UGANDA 3.12.2015 Finnish Immigration Service Country Information Service Public Theme Report 1 (123) Table of contents Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................................... 3 List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... 4 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 7 1.1. The colonial legacy of anti-sodomy laws ......................................................................................... 7 1.2. The significance of current laws criminalising same-sex conduct ............................................. 11 1.3. Particularities of the situation of lesbians and bisexual women................................................. 12 1.4. Particularities of the situation of transgender and intersex people ........................................... 14 1.5. Violations of international and regional human rights law .......................................................... 14 2. Cameroon .............................................................................................................................................. 18 2.1. The legal framework ........................................................................................................................ -
Download the Programme
Programme Promoting the human rights of LGBT persons: next steps for international institutions and civil society Monday 1 – Wednesday 3 September 2014 | WP1312 Attendance is by invitation only A broad spectrum of international actors is engaged in the discourse about ways in which to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. The first “Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” (SOGI) resolution was passed by the United Nations in 2011, but there has yet to be a follow up resolution and it remains to be seen how the principles agreed at the UN can be best implemented on the ground. At the national level there are many countries where urgent improvements are needed to protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Up to 80 countries retain laws which discriminate on the basis of LGBT identity. Civil society groups have made a series of recommendations on the most effective ways to promote tolerance and ensure the protection of LGBT persons. Building alliances with related human rights groups is widely recognised as a key step. Development agencies seek to feed into this process in a way which supports the priorities of local advocacy groups. Regional organisations can also play a role in bringing countries together and by assisting to identify the human rights standards expected of governments. Concerted international action is needed to move forward, particularly in terms of contesting criminalisation and bringing to an end violent discrimination. This conference seeks to identify future leadership and ways in which the human rights situation for LGBT persons can be best supported by all actors in the international system. -
1316 Ngos Working on Diverse Human Rights Issues, from 174
1316 NGOs working on diverse human rights issues, from 174 States and territories around the world call for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity 41st session of the Human Rights Council Item 8. General Debate Oral Statement Speaker: Phylesha Brown – Acton Mr. President, I have the honour to deliver this statement that was endorsed by 1316 organisations working on diverse topics. Around the world, millions of people face human rights violations and abuses because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). These abuses include: killings and extrajudicial executions; torture, rape and sexual violence; enforced disappearance; forced displacement; criminalization; arbitrary detentions; blackmail and extortion; police violence and harassment; bullying; stigmatization; hate speech; denial of one’s self defined gender identity; forced medical treatment, and/or forced sterilization; repression of the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, religion or belief; attacks and restrictions on human rights defenders; denial of services and hampered access to justice; discrimination in all spheres of life including in employment, healthcare, housing, education and cultural traditions; and other multiple and intersecting forms of violence and discrimination. These grave and widespread violations take place in conflict and non-conflict situations, are perpetrated by State and non-State actors (including the victims’ families and communities) and impact all spheres of life. In 2016, this Human Rights Council took definitive action to systematically address these abuses, advance positive reforms and share best practices – through regular reporting, constructive dialogue and engagement – and created an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). -
Pan Africa Ilga Annual Report
PAN AFRICA ILGA ANNUAL REPORT March 2017 - February 2018 The Pan Africa International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (PAI), is the Africa regional affiliate of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). PAI is a federation of 72 organisations in Africa working for human rights and equality for LGBTI people. Its work seeks to improve human rights, based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE). Vision A Pan African movement that promotes and respects bodily integrity and equal protection of human rights regardless of culture, religion and faith, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Mission To unify and strengthen LGBTI organising in Africa in order to challenge state legislation that impedes SOGIE-related work. PAI’s Pillars Protecting our rights Advancing dignity and equality Including all our voices and expression Working Principles Accountability to members and partners Efficacy through coordination and collaboration Human rights and equal access to basic services and justice Inclusivity from equal representation and participation PAN AFRICA ILGA ANNUAL REPORT 1 March 2017 – 28 February 2018 A Pan Africa ILGA Publication: Annual Report 2017 - 2018 Pan Africa ILGA: NPO Number 155-669 May 2018 Compilation, Writing & Editing: Dorothy Brislin Photography: Dorothy Brislin and PAI Archive Layout & Design: Spiracle - [email protected] Print: Shereno Printers Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) Physical Address: 9th Floor, 87 De Korte street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa Email: [email protected] Tel: +27 11 339 1139 @panafricailga https://www.facebook.com/PanAfricaILGA www/http://panafricailga.org The material in this publication is licenced under creative commons. Digital copies of this publication are available on the PAI website for download. -
1312 Ngos Working on Diverse Human Rights Issues, from 174
1312 NGOs working on diverse human rights issues, from 174 States and territories around the world call for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity 41st session of the Human Rights Council Item 8. General Debate Oral Statement Speaker: Phylesha Brown – Acton Mr. President, I have the honour to deliver this statement that was endorsed by 1312 organisations working on diverse topics. Around the world, millions of people face human rights violations and abuses because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). These abuses include: killings and extrajudicial executions; torture, rape and sexual violence; enforced disappearance; forced displacement; criminalization; arbitrary detentions; blackmail and extortion; police violence and harassment; bullying; stigmatization; hate speech; denial of one’s self defined gender identity; forced medical treatment, and/or forced sterilization; repression of the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, religion or belief; attacks and restrictions on human rights defenders; denial of services and hampered access to justice; discrimination in all spheres of life including in employment, healthcare, housing, education and cultural traditions; and other multiple and intersecting forms of violence and discrimination. These grave and widespread violations take place in conflict and non-conflict situations, are perpetrated by State and non-State actors (including the victims’ families and communities) and impact all spheres of life. In 2016, this Human Rights Council took definitive action to systematically address these abuses, advance positive reforms and share best practices – through regular reporting, constructive dialogue and engagement – and created an Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). -
2018 Human Rights Report
CAMEROON 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cameroon is a republic dominated by a strong presidency. The country has a multiparty system of government, but the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has remained in power since its creation in 1985. In practice the president retains the power to control legislation. On October 7, citizens re- elected CPDM leader Paul Biya president, a position he has held since 1982. The election was marked by irregularities, including intimidation of voters and representatives of candidates at polling sites, late posting of polling sites and voter lists, ballot stuffing, voters with multiple registrations, and alleged polling results manipulation. On March 25, the country conducted the second senate elections in its history. They were peaceful and considered generally free and fair. In 2013 simultaneous legislative and municipal elections were held, and most observers considered them free and fair. New legislative and municipal elections were expected to take place during the year; however, in consultation with the parliament and the constitutional council, President Biya extended the terms of office of parliamentarians and municipal councilors for 12 months, and general elections were expected to take place in fall 2019 or early 2020. Civilian authorities at times did not maintain effective control over the security forces, including police and gendarmerie. The sociopolitical crisis that began in the Northwest and Southwest Regions in late 2016 over perceived marginalization developed into -
Cameroon 2015 Human Rights Report
CAMEROON 2015 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cameroon is a republic dominated by a strong presidency. The country has a multiparty system of government, but the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) has remained in power since it was created in 1985. In practice the president retains the power to control legislation. In April 2013 the country conducted the first Senate elections in its history, which were peaceful and considered generally free and fair. In September 2013 simultaneous legislative and municipal elections occurred, and most observers considered them to be free and fair. In 2011 citizens re-elected CPDM leader Paul Biya president, a position he has held since 1982, in a flawed election marked by irregularities, but observers did not believe these had a significant impact on the outcome. Civilian authorities at times did not maintain effective control over the security forces. During the year terrorist group Boko Haram’s strategy in the country evolved to include using knives, sophisticated weapons, improvised explosive devises, and child soldiering. This had unprecedented consequences in affected regions as killings of civilians, abductions, looting, and destruction of property increased in frequency. In response the government increased security measures, but its efforts often failed to prevent excesses, which led to additional human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, and avoidable loss of life. The most important human rights problems were Boko Haram killings and other abuses in the Far North Region, including child soldiering, abductions, beheadings, and immolations; security force (police and/or gendarmerie) torture and abuse, primarily of Boko Haram suspects; denial of fair and speedy public trial; and life- threatening prison conditions. -
To Be Gay and African: Addressing the Gross Human Rights Violations of Homosexuals in Cameroon and Uganda, and Legislative Remedies for Their Mistreatment
William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice Volume 25 (2018-2019) Issue 3 Article 7 April 2019 To Be Gay and African: Addressing the Gross Human Rights Violations of Homosexuals in Cameroon and Uganda, and Legislative Remedies for Their Mistreatment Danielle E. Makia Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/wmjowl Part of the Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons, Comparative and Foreign Law Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, and the Sexuality and the Law Commons Repository Citation Danielle E. Makia, To Be Gay and African: Addressing the Gross Human Rights Violations of Homosexuals in Cameroon and Uganda, and Legislative Remedies for Their Mistreatment, 25 Wm. & Mary J. Women & L. 681 (2019), https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/wmjowl/vol25/iss3/7 Copyright c 2019 by the authors. This article is brought to you by the William & Mary Law School Scholarship Repository. https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/wmjowl TO BE GAY AND AFRICAN: ADDRESSING THE GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF HOMOSEXUALS IN CAMEROON AND UGANDA, AND LEGISLATIVE REMEDIES FOR THEIR MISTREATMENT INTRODUCTION I. HOMOSEXUALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA A. South Africa’s Legalization of Homosexuality in 1996 B. Lingering Anti-Homosexual Sentiments in South Africa II. HOMOSEXUALITY IN CAMEROON A. Corruption at the Forefront of Enforcing Anti-Gay Laws B. How Article 347-1 Affects Gay Cameroonians C. Mbede, Ayissi, et al.: Guilty of Being Gay Until Proven Innocent D. The Solution: Reforming Article 347-1 E. Potential Obstacles with Reforming Article 347-1 III. HOMOSEXUALITY IN UGANDA A. An Overview of Anti-Gay Ugandan Legislation: The Penal Code Act of 1950, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009, and the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014 B. -
Decriminalising Same-Sex Conduct in Cameroon
DECRIMINALISING SAME-SEX CONDUCT IN CAMEROON A MINI-DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF LAW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LLM DEGREE (MULTI-DISCIPLINARY HUMAN RIGHTS) BY TCHOUTA NGUEGNA Blonde Gaelle 10455605 PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF PROF. FRANS VILJOEN AT THE FACULTY OF LAW, CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA JULY 2012 © University of Pretoria DECLARATION I, Gaelle Tchouta, do hereby declare that the work contained in this mini-dissertation is entirely my own work, except where it is attributed to other authors or sources. This work has not been submitted for a degree at any other university. Signed…………………………………………. Date……………………………………………. i EPIGRAPH “Indeed, to believe in human rights is to believe in equality: equal rights for all people, regardless of who they are or where they are from.” Ms.NavanethemPillay United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS No one walks alone on this journey of life. Every single step I took towards the achievement of this mini-dissertation research, there have been some people walking beside me, supporting, guiding and cheering me on. I would like to express my gratitude to those exceptional ones who made this work possible. First and foremost, I am very grateful to the Almighty God for granting me the strength, wisdom and perseverance to finish this programme and providing amazing people to help me through. Amongst these incredible people is my supervisor Prof. Frans Viljoen, to whom I would like to express my greatest appreciation. Words are not enough to say thanks for the tremendous support and help. -
Criminalizing Identities Rights Abuses in Cameroon Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Criminalizing Identities Rights Abuses in Cameroon based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Copyright © 2010 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 1-56432-704-3 Cover design by Rafael Jimenez L’association pour la défense des droits des homosexuels (ADEFHO) Rue Kitchener Bonanjo Douala P.O Box 59 e-mail: [email protected] L’association pour la Liberté, la tolérance, l'expression et le respect de personnes de nature indigente et victimes d’exclusion sociale au Cameroun (ALTERNATIVES-CAMEROUN) 2178, Boulevard de la Liberté P.O. Box 12767 Douala Tel: (+237) 33 11 78 69 [email protected] Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor New York, NY 10118-3299 USA Tel: +1 212 290 4700, Fax: +1 212 736 1300 http://www.hrw.org International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505 New York, NY 10038 USA http://www.iglhrc.org November 2010 ISBN: 1-56432-704-3 Criminalizing Identities Rights Abuses in Cameroon based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Map of Cameroon ............................................................................................................... 1 Summary .......................................................................................................................... 2 Key Recommendations .................................................................................................... 7 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... -
Wrote to President Paul Biya of Cameroon
His Excellency Paul Biya Office of the President Palais de l'Unité Yaoundé, Centre Republic of Cameroon Fax +237-22-23-30-22 January 14, 2011 Dear President Biya, On behalf of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), a twenty year-old organization with offices around the world, I write to express our deep concern over recent threats to human rights defenders and organizations advocating for the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Cameroon. In recent days, Alice Nkom, Chairperson of L’Assocation pour la Défense de l’ Homosexualité (ADEFHO), has been threatened by state officials with possible arrest and with violence from segments of civil society. We call upon the government of Cameroon to ensure that Madame Nkom is not arrested and to ensure the safety of her, of all members of ADEFHO and of all LGBT Cameroonians in the face of threat of violence. Harassment of Madame Nkom and ADEFHO has mounted since January 4 when the newspaper, Quotidien Le Jour, reported that ADEFHO would receive a grant from the European Union (EU) for a project entitled, “Support and Training for Sexual Minorities.” Legally registered in Cameroon since 2003, ADEFHO is a national human rights organization based in Douala that provides legal defense to people discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Since then, there has been an escalating series of disturbing events: • In a succession of blog posts from January 5 – 11, the Coalition of Cameroonian Youth (Rassemblement de la Jeunesse Camerounaise) responded to this news by inciting homophobia: it declared a fatwa against LGBT people in Cameroon and called on youth to “track them and denounce them without pity.” The group has also advocated for the government to arrest the EU country representative and to block the transfer of the grant. -
Submission by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Case of M.B
Submission by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the case of M.B. v. Spain (Appl. No 15109/15) before the European Court of Human Rights 1. Introduction* 1.1 UNHCR has been entrusted by the United Nations General Assembly with the mandate to provide international protection to refugees and, together with Governments, to seek solutions for the problem of refugees.1 Moreover, UNHCR is responsible for supervising the application of interna- tional conventions for the protection of refugees.2 UNHCR welcomes the opportunity to intervene in this case, as granted by the European Court of Human Rights (‘the Court’) by its letter of 16 Decem- ber 2015. 1.2 In this submission, UNHCR briefly addresses the risk of persecution of Lesbian, Gay, Bisex- ual, Transgender and Intersex (hereafter ‘LGBTI’)3 individuals from Cameroon to provide the context in which the decision of the Spanish authorities must be situated (part 2). It then addresses the domes- tic legislative framework and practice applicable to the admissibility procedures in Spain and its inad- equacy in assessing sexual orientation and gender identity (‘SOGI’) claims (part 3). Lastly, it provides UNHCR’s interpretation of the relevant international refugee and human rights law principles (part 4). 2. The risk of persecution based on sexual orientation and forced marriage for asylum- seekers from Cameroon 2.1. The risk of persecution based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity 2.1.1 Since 1972 consensual same-sex sexual activity has been illegal in