ILGA Asia Statement on IDAHOBIT 2022: LGBTIQ Rights are Human Rights!
17 May 2022
ILGA Asia calls for decriminalisation of same-sex sexual conduct to end the rampant discrimination and violence against the LGBTIQ community in Asia.
Today, as we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we want to remind everyone, everywhere that LGBTIQ rights are human rights.
IDAHOBIT was conceived in 2004 to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence experienced by LGBTIQ individuals around the world. On 17 May 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), thereby taking an important first step towards addressing and removing the stigma towards non-normative sexuality.
While there have been several strides made to advance the rights of LGBTIQ individuals in Asia, the increasingly worrying clampdown on human rights, especially sexual and reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and freedom of expression and association across the world, has presented newer challenges. The recent political crises across Asia have further aggravated violence against LGBTIQ persons. In the recent past, there have been several reports of LGBTIQ individuals being subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrest, sexual violence, and the death penalty, for merely expressing themselves.
Ajita Banerjie, Research Officer at ILGA Asia, said,
“The reports of human rights violations against the LGBTIQ community from war-torn areas and countries with authoritarian regimes are extremely troubling, especially given that actual data on these inhumane incidents of violence and torture may never be known. The clampdown on human rights reporting and activism under these regimes makes it nearly impossible to understand the gravity and extent of these violations.”
Henry Koh, Executive Director at ILGA Asia, said,
“Asia remains at the forefront in the fight against oppressive laws on LGBTIQ people globally. Across Asia, as many as 22 countries and territories still criminalise consensual relations of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, over 16 countries still outlaw the gender expression of transgender and non-binary people, and intersex people are subjected to medically unnecessary surgeries and hormonal treatments. We call for decriminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual conduct and for the repeal of discriminatory laws that criminalise gender diverse individuals, as they contravene the fabric of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which speaks to the universality of human rights for all.”
ILGA Asia is committed to working towards the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ rights in Asia, and around the world, by continuing to fight against structural discrimination and promoting access to justice for all. Our efforts strive to work within the framework of diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity in all areas of our work as we remain committed to creating more just, tolerant and inclusive societies.
Join us in our efforts, as we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia, and work to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity & expression and sex characteristics, is able to live, love and work with safety and dignity.
For inquiries, please email:
Ryan Ong, ILGA Asia Communications Officer at ryan@ilgaasia.org
Ajita Banerjie, ILGA Asia Research Officer at ajita@ilgaasia.org
