United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has issued a stark warning, highlighting that consensual same-sex relations remain criminalized in over three dozen countries, with some imposing the death penalty. He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals globally.
“The trend is worsening,” Türk stated. “Last year, Burkina Faso criminalized consensual same-sex relations. Senegal increased prison sentences for same-sex sexual acts from five to 10 years. Similar legislation is being considered in other countries, including Ghana.”
Discrimination Trends Persist
The High Commissioner also noted the existence of discriminatory laws in these nations that penalize the dissemination of information related to LGBTQ+ issues. He pointed out that similar legal restrictions are in place in Belarus and Kazakhstan. “We condemn these trends and are committed to reversing them. History has shown that when societies normalize hatred and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, it lays the groundwork for broader repression,” he added.
The UN’s top human rights official emphasized that countries including Cameroon, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey are arresting and targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and activists, often through divisive rhetoric that fuels online abuse, particularly against transgender individuals.
“Elections have become battlegrounds for hate,” the High Commissioner remarked, referencing a study by the NGO Outright International. The study, which examined approximately 90 elections held globally in 2024, found that anti-LGBTQ+ messaging was present in roughly 85% of the countries reviewed.
Despite this negative trend, Türk acknowledged some progress in the struggle to “live and love freely.” He recalled that St. Lucia decriminalized consensual same-sex relations, and Botswana also decriminalized same-sex relations. Furthermore, Nepal elected a transgender woman as a Member of Parliament for the first time in its history.
The High Commissioner also welcomed positive developments, such as the European Union Court of Justice ruling on April 21 that Hungary’s 2021 law banning content for children about sexual orientation and gender identity violates fundamental rights.
In his remarks on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, Türk urged, “States must end violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people by repealing prejudiced laws, investigating all violations, and holding perpetrators accountable.” He added, “Both states and technology companies must take meaningful steps against online hate and abuse.”
