LGBTI people across the world often face grave human rights violations, including torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, even killing – all because of who they are.

In an unprecedented dialogue, regional and UN human rights experts joined forces to look at their human rights situation, and to call for an end to violence and other human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

A report, launched during the 58th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the Gambia, summarizes the historic dialogue that took place in November 2015 between the African Commission, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and UN human rights experts. The report highlights the impact that human rights violations have on the health of LGBTI people and their access to HIV prevention and care.The report also emphasizes positive developments made around the world in protecting the rights of LGBTI people.

“Violence and other human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity constitute universal challenges that require concerted responses by national, regional and UN human rights institutions,” said Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Read more via OHCHR