World · Africa · 5 hrs ago
Rights group warns Senegal’s LGBTQ+ crackdown is harming public health
Human Rights Watch says Senegal’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people is increasing stigma and driving people into hiding.
Rights groups estimate that at least 212 people were arrested between February and July, while another group puts the number above 300; neither figure has been officially confirmed.
Earlier this year, Senegal’s parliament passed a law that raises prison sentences for homosexuality to between five and ten years.
The law also makes promoting or financing homosexuality a crime.
Homosexuality has been illegal in Senegal since 1965, and rights groups say hostility has grown in recent years.
Human Rights Watch warns that fear is discouraging people from seeking HIV testing and treatment, putting public health at risk.
The group says the measures also threaten fundamental rights.
Human Rights Watch warned that Senegal’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people is fueling stigma and putting public health at risk.
The group said people are being driven into hiding and discouraged from seeking HIV testing and treatment.
Rights groups estimate that at least 212 people were arrested between February and July, while another organization puts the figure above 300.
The figures have not been officially confirmed.
A new law doubles prison sentences for homosexuality to between five and ten years and criminalizes its promotion or financing.
- Who
- Human Rights Watch warned about the crackdown. Rights groups reported arrests.
- What
- The group said the crackdown is worsening stigma and discouraging HIV testing and treatment.
- When
- The report was released Monday. Rights groups counted arrests between February and July.
- Where
- Senegal.
- Why
- Human Rights Watch says the crackdown is threatening fundamental rights and putting public health at risk.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Senegal criminalized homosexuality.
Parliament passed a law doubling prison sentences for homosexuality and criminalizing its promotion or financing.
Rights groups estimated that at least 212 people were arrested, while another organization put the figure above 300.
Human Rights Watch released a report warning that the crackdown was harming public health.
- Arrests
- At least 212 estimated by rights groups; another organization put the figure above 300
- Prison sentences
- Five to ten years under the new law
- Law
- Criminalizes the promotion or financing of homosexuality
- HIV services
- Human Rights Watch says the crackdown discourages HIV testing and treatment
- History
- Homosexuality has been criminalized in Senegal since 1965
Sources
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