Human Rights Watch calls for end to Senegal LGBTQ crackdown ahead of Youth Olympics
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Senegal will host the first-ever Olympic sporting event on African soil – the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games from Oct 31 to Nov 13.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Human Rights Watch urged Senegal to stop its crackdown on same-sex relations before the Youth Olympic Games, saying it may breach the Olympic Charter and human rights rules.
- Senegal passed a law in March that raises the prison term for same-sex relations to 10 years, and dozens have been arrested, including 71 men sent to trial in August.
- HRW said the crackdown spreads fear and stigma, pushes people away from HIV care, and adds to wider erosion of LGBTQ rights across west Africa.
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DAKAR – Senegal should halt its crackdown on same-sex relations, which calls into question the country’s compliance with the Olympic charter ahead of hosting the Youth Olympic Games, Human Rights Watch said on Oct 12.
In March, the west African nation adopted new legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to up to 10 years in prison.
The deeply religious, predominantly Muslim country has experienced a wave of homophobia in recent months.
Dozens of individuals have been arrested on suspicion of same-sex relations, including 71 men who in August were referred to trial for “acts against nature”, a term used to refer to same-sex relations.
Senegal will host the first-ever Olympic sporting event on African soil when it welcomes some 2,700 young athletes for the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games from Oct 31 to Nov 13.
“The Olympic Charter prohibits discrimination on any grounds and commits host countries to respect human rights and human dignity”, HRW said in a report condemning the country’s “brutal crackdown”.
“The ongoing government crackdown on LGBT people raises serious concerns about Senegal’s compliance with international law, the Olympic charter, and Senegal’s own laws”, said HRW rights researcher Larissa Kojoue.
The crackdown is violating “rights, causing increasing fear and stigma, and should be ended immediately”, HRW said.
The rights group added that fear of arrest and stigma drives individuals into hiding and away from HIV testing and treatment, while also deterring lawyers from representing them.
Senegal’s law passed by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly in March.
It also establishes criminal penalties for those found guilty of promoting or financing same-sex relationships.
LGBTQ rights advocacy is frequently denounced in Senegal as a tool used by Westerners to impose foreign values.
Several west African countries have enacted laws condemning same-sex relations in recent months, further eroding LGBTQ rights on the continent. AFP