About LGBTI Refugees
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people are among the most persecuted individuals in the world today. Seventy-five nations criminalize same-sex relations. Seven of these apply the death penalty for consensual same-sex conduct. In many more countries, LGBTI people regularly face harassment, arrest, interrogation, torture and beatings. It is estimated that in Iran alone, 4,000 LGBTIs have been executed since 1978. In neighboring Iraq, LGBTI people are brutally tortured and executed in the streets.
These human rights violations propel thousands to flee their countries. Yet without focused attention and assistance from the international humanitarian community, these refugees continue to be deprived of basic safety or protection. The lucky few who manage to escape often find that conditions in their countries of transit are not much better than those they fled. For example, most Afghani LGBTI refugees escape to Iran; most LGBTIs fleeing Sudan go to Egypt. Yet both Iran and Egypt persecute their own LGBTI populations.
LGBTI people are often targeted for violence by authorities or civilians whom the authorities cannot or will not stop. In some places, the situation is so severe that refugees fear venturing outside in daylight. Virtually none “come out” in their countries of transit, and most never seek protection on account of their sexual orientation.
LGBTI refugees, as forced migrants and sexual minorities, are "doubly marginalized." Moreover, the scant survival mechanisms normally available to other refugees are often closed off to them. While most refugees seek safety and comfort with their own countrypersons, LGBTI refugees are often targeted by their compatriots or families, who disdain and sometimes even physically attack them. Very few manage to survive these obstacles and reach safety.
Assistance is urgently needed to save LGBTI refugees in their countries of first asylum and to assist the lucky few who manage to reach the West.
