United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has highlighted a disturbing trend of increased violence and discrimination targeting LGBTIQ+ individuals globally. He noted that over one-third of countries worldwide still criminalize consensual same-sex relations, with some imposing the death penalty.
Türk pointed to a worsening climate, citing Burkina Faso’s recent criminalization of consensual same-sex relations and Senegal’s increased prison sentences for such acts. He also mentioned that countries like Ghana are considering similar legislation. Discriminatory laws that penalize the dissemination of information related to LGBTIQ+ issues are also present in these nations, with Belarus and Kazakhstan having comparable legal restrictions in place.
“We condemn these trends and are determined to reverse them,” Türk stated. “History has shown that when societies normalize hatred and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people, it lays the groundwork for broader repression.”
The UN’s top human rights official also condemned the arrest and targeting of LGBTIQ+ individuals and activists in countries including Cameroon, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. He specifically called out “divisive rhetoric from some politicians and leaders” that fuels online abuse, particularly against transgender individuals.
Citing a study by NGO Outright International that examined approximately 90 elections held worldwide in 2024, Türk observed, “Elections have become battlegrounds for hate.” The research revealed that anti-LGBTIQ+ messages were present in about 85% of the countries surveyed.
Despite these negative trends, Türk acknowledged some progress in the struggle for the right to “live freely and love freely.” He recalled Saint Lucia and Botswana decriminalizing consensual same-sex relations and noted Nepal’s historic election of a transgender woman to Parliament.
The High Commissioner also welcomed positive developments such as the European Union Court of Justice’s ruling on April 21st of this year, which found Hungary’s ban on content for children regarding sexual orientation and gender identity to be a violation of fundamental rights.
In his statements marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, Türk urged, “States must end violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people by repealing discriminatory laws, investigating all violations, and holding perpetrators accountable.” He added, “Both states and technology companies must take meaningful steps against online hate and abuse.”
