World · Africa · 1 hr ago
Rights group urges Senegal to end LGBTQ crackdown before Youth Olympics
Human Rights Watch has urged Senegal to end its crackdown on people suspected of same-sex relations.
In March, Senegal passed a law that raised the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations to 10 years and set penalties for promoting or financing them.
Dozens of people have been arrested, and 71 men were referred to trial in August.
Senegal is due to host the Youth Olympic Games from Oct 31 to Nov 13, with about 2,700 young athletes expected.
It will be the first Olympic sporting event held in Africa.
Human Rights Watch says the crackdown raises concerns about Senegal’s commitment to the Olympic Charter, which bars discrimination and calls on host countries to respect human rights and dignity.
The group says fear of arrest and stigma also keeps people from HIV testing and treatment and deters lawyers from representing them.
Human Rights Watch urged Senegal on Oct 12 to end its crackdown on same-sex relations ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
A law adopted in March doubled the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations to up to 10 years.
Dozens of people have been arrested on suspicion of same-sex relations, including 71 men referred to trial in August.
HRW said the crackdown raises concerns about Senegal’s compliance with the Olympic Charter and human rights obligations.
Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games from Oct 31 to Nov 13, with about 2,700 young athletes expected.
- Who
- Human Rights Watch called on Senegal to end its crackdown on same-sex relations.
- What
- The group said the crackdown raises concerns about human rights and compliance with the Olympic Charter.
- When
- HRW made its call on Oct 12, ahead of the Games scheduled for Oct 31 to Nov 13.
- Where
- Senegal, which will host the Youth Olympic Games.
- Why
- HRW said the crackdown violates rights and increases fear and stigma, and may deter people from HIV testing and treatment.
Human Rights Watch
Senegalese authorities
Crackdown
Human Rights Watch
HRW said the crackdown violates rights and should end immediately.
Senegalese authorities
Senegal adopted legislation in March increasing the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to up to 10 years in prison.
Olympic Charter
Human Rights Watch
HRW said the crackdown raises concerns about Senegal’s compliance with the Charter’s ban on discrimination.
Senegalese authorities
Senegal is due to host the Youth Olympic Games; the article reports no official response to HRW’s criticism.
The Olympic Charter prohibits discrimination on any grounds and commits host countries to respect human rights and human dignity
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
rights, causing increasing fear and stigma, and should be ended immediately
Senegal adopted legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to up to 10 years in prison.
Seventy-one men were referred to trial for “acts against nature”.
Human Rights Watch called on Senegal to halt its crackdown ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
Senegal is scheduled to host the Youth Olympic Games.
- Maximum prison sentence
- Up to 10 years
- Men referred to trial in August
- 71
- Youth Olympic Games dates
- Oct 31 to Nov 13
- Expected young athletes
- About 2,700
- HRW researcher
- Larissa Kojoue
Sources
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