LGBTIQ+ persons
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In certain countries, same-sex relationships are criminalized – sometimes punishable by death. Many LGBTIQ+ persons have no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere. But even in countries of asylum, they can face stigma and abuse.
In recent decades, the number of LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers has risen, with most qualifying as "members of a particular social group" under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines the term ‘refugee,’ outlines their rights and sets out the legal obligations of States to protect them.
UNHCR works to try to protect all refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless persons with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) and works with partners to provide inclusive services, protect their rights and identify safe options.
UNHCR’s work on protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement
For over a decade, UNHCR has maintained attention and has invested in guidance and activities to ensure that LGBTIQ+ people who are forcibly displaced or stateless can access protection and solutions.
This section provides information on UNHCR’s global activities. Information on operational activities can be found in the UNHCR Age, Gender and Diversity Report and the resources below.
UNHCR priorities - 2024
This document sets out the areas UNHCR is taking priority action to implement based on the key recommendations identified by the participants of the Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ people in forced displacement (June 2021).
2021 Global roundtable on protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement
In 2021, UNHCR co-convened with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI) the Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ People in Forced Displacement. Held virtually over the course of 3 weeks in June 2021, it convened more than 500 people from around the world, including representatives from governments, civil society the private sector and LGBTIQ+ people who have experienced displacement. Together they discussed experiences, policies and programmes that have worked as well as ways to implement solutions.
2023 Stocktaking on UNHCR’s work on protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement
In early 2023, UNHCR undertook a stocktaking exercise to assess the progress made against the recommendations addressed to UNHCR at the Global roundtable on protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement held in June 2021. This document captures the main areas of progress that have been identified through this exercise, and the actions planned to continue advancing in this aspect of UNHCR work with and for displaced and stateless people. The document was presented during a follow-up dialogue co-convened with the UN Independent Expert on SOGI and attended by the co-facilitators of the thematic areas of the 2021 Roundtable, which was held in Geneva on 22 June 2023.
Reports and resources
Inspiring stories
Get to know Muhammad Adeel Iqbal, Maritza, Amani and other LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers, who left behind their homes to find the freedom to be who they truly are.
LGBTI refugees in Canada speak out on their journey to safety and proudly show who they are.
