Syria

Lebanon: Sexual Violence Against Men, Trans Women in Syria Conflict

Syrian state and non-state actors have subjected men, boys, transgender women, and nonbinary people to sexual violence during the Syrian conflict, resulting in severe physical and mental health consequences which are compounded by a lack of support services in Lebanon,

,

An Open Letter to Facebook: On the Hate Speech Against the LGBTQ+ Community in the Middle East and North Africa

,

After the distressing spreadings of hate speech on the LGBT community in the Middle East and North Africa: An open letter from twenty-two regional and international organizations to Facebook administration

,

Human Rights Watch Country Profiles: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

,

The following country profiles are derived in part from sections of the Human Rights Watch 2019 World Report that relate to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Opening statement and global update of human rights concerns by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein at 38th session of the Human Rights Council

As this is my last global update to the Human Rights Council in a regular session – and before I turn, once again, to the important matter of access and cooperation – I wish to draw on some final reflections.

Morocco: Why Lack of Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections in MENA Still Exists

There is limited to no data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) estimates in the MENA region. However, several studies have attempted to estimate the numbers. The lack of data could be due to the limited access to STI services, stigma, national laws, cultural and religious factors.

,

Most countries score an F on our LGBT human rights report card

,

June is Gay Pride Month, but the sobering reality is that most countries, including the U.S., do not protect sexual minorities.

,

Netherlands: Gay Refugees Face Death Threats, Abuse In Netherlands

,

The Dutch parliament is calling on the country’s government to offer emergency housing for gay refugees, who for months have been subject to death threats, intimidation and other forms of harassment at temporary shelters, LGBT activists say.

Members of parliament voted in favor of a motion earlier this week, requesting that the government “provide the possibility of separate and safe housing for LGBT and other vulnerable groups, if noted that their security can’t be guaranteed."

Philip Tijsma, public affairs manager at an LGBT rights organization called COC Netherlands, called the motion a breakthrough. It calls for exactly what the refugees facing abuse asked for: a safe place: “What’s the use of having a roof over your head if you’re too afraid to leave your room because of all the bullying and harassment?”

Here’s a look at some of the numbers behind the violence gay refugees face as they seek safety in the Netherlands. Read more via Vocativ