The goal: “a space in West Africa where persons from diverse faiths, cultures, class and sexual orientations can convene, work with faith leaders and communities to create a world in which everyone enjoys all human rights irrespective of class, religious belief, culture and sexual orientation.” Late last month, West Africa moved a step closer to … Continue reading
By Colin Stewart and Erin Royal Brokovitch Sexual minorities from French-speaking Africa at a networking workshop in Cameroon denounced several lesbian associations’ call for a boycott of the Feb. 21-24 workshop, which was aimed at bolstering the activism of lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The four organizations of lesbian, bisexual and queer women that boycotted … Continue reading
By 84-77, United Nations countries today (Monday) rejected a renewed attempt by African nations to block the appointment of the first-ever U.N. expert in charge of investigating violence and discrimination against sexual minorities. Continue reading
Progressive faith leaders and activists from West Africa have joined forces to work to end anti-LGBTI bias in the region and seek “a world governed by respect and dignity.” The new Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNoWA) includes members from Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Liberia. The network’s founder and co-chair is Anglo-Nigerian … Continue reading
Many signs of progress, but also many instances of ongoing persecution of LGBTI people, are contained in the following round-up of the world’s recent LGBTI-related news, most of which was excerpted with slight modifications from the UNAIDS publication Equal Eyes: Human rights Activists in Odessa, Ukraine, convinced authorities to reconsider a last-minute ban that would … Continue reading
Most tolerant countries The Afrobarometer network, which conducts public opinion surveys in Africa, recently listed the continent’s most and least homophobic countries. In these four African countries, the majority of residents say they would welcome or would not be bothered having a homosexual neighbor: Cape Verde, 74%. South Africa, 69%. Mozambique, 56%. Namibia, 55%. Least … Continue reading
Human rights advocates from more than a dozen African countries have issued a call for respect for the human rights of LGBTI people in Africa, a move that builds on a resolution made last year by the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights. The gathering included representatives from Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, … Continue reading
The U.N. Human Rights Council today passed a resolution opposing violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Contrary to some predictions, the proposal, pushed by Latin American countries, did not face united opposition either from all African nations or all countries with anti-gay laws. The resolution reinforces a resolution on the same … Continue reading
In an understated report, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this month that nations should work to stop the spread of AIDS by removing obstacles to HIV prevention efforts that are caused by laws against homosexual activity, transgender status, sex work and drug use. Those laws limit health care access for groups that are most … Continue reading
Donations from around the world Many people from Cameroon and at least seven other countries helped pay for the funeral of journalist and activist Eric Lembembe, who was murdered last month. The following summary of funds donated to and spent on the funeral of Aug. 2-3 was prepared by three Cameroonian organizations combating discrimination against … Continue reading
