Criminalisation of same sex relationships constitutes a violation of Malawi´s international human rights obligations

Criminalisation of same sex relationships constitutes a violation of Malawi´s international human rights obligations

The ICJ expresses its serious concern at the unlawful detention, prosecution and conviction of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a Malawian gay couple.

The ICJ calls for the sentence against them to be unconditionally reviewed and their conviction immediately overturned.

Malawi-criminalisation-same sex relationships constitutes-press release-2010 (full text, PDF)

International human rights law and the criminalization of same-sex sexual conduct

International human rights law and the criminalization of same-sex sexual conduct

The most visible example of oppression on the grounds of sexual orientation is the continued criminalization of sexual activity between consenting adult partners of the same sex in many states around the world.

Regardless of whether they are enforced, these so-called sodomy laws have the effect of stigmatizing an entire group of people as criminal.  International law on the issue is clear.  Such laws violate human rights.  In this ICJ Briefing Paper, we analyze the application of international human rights law to the criminalization of same-sex sexual conduct.

International human rights law and the criminalizaion of same-sex sexual conduct-anyalsis brief-2010 (full text, PDF)

Sri Lanka : the ICJ shares the UN High Commissioner´s concern at the situation in the country

Sri Lanka : the ICJ shares the UN High Commissioner´s concern at the situation in the country

The ICJ expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka and welcomed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ emphasis on countering discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The ICJ also called on the Council to consider establishing a dedicated mandate – such as the Early-warning Commission – to identify the emergence of human rights violations in crisis situations and make recommendations to the UN to prevent human rights violations and ensure accountability of their perpetrators.

SriLanka-humanrightsviolations-web story-2010 (full text, PDF)

 

UN Human Rights Council: side event related to sexual orientation and gender identity

UN Human Rights Council: side event related to sexual orientation and gender identity

The ICJ and other NGOs are hosting a side event at the 12th Session of the Human Rights Council: the Role of International Law in the Protection of People of Diverse Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities.

Featured speakers include ICJ Commissioner Vitit Muntarbhorn, Kenya National Human Rights Commissioner Lawrence Mute, and Alternative Law Forum co-founder Arvind Narrain. The occasion is also the launch of the Practitioner’s Guide on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and International Human Rights Law.

HRC Side Event on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity-Events-2009 (Full text, DOC)

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