Benin: Take action against anti-LGBT+ hatred
Campaign content
In Benin, LGBT+ people live in fear every day. Insults, assaults, humiliation – often with complete impunity. For too long, this violence has been ignored or downplayed. But there is now hope.
During the latest United Nations Universal Periodic Review in 2023, the Beninese government agreed to prosecute perpetrators of violence against LGBT+ people and to combat stigma related to sexual orientation and gender identity. This is a historic step.
However, more than a year later, nothing seems to have changed. No concrete action plan has been announced. Victims are still waiting for justice.
This inaction sends a dangerous message: that hatred is tolerated.
We call on the Government of Benin to turn words into action. These commitments are human rights obligations. Benin made a promise to the whole world – it is time to keep it.
By supporting this petition, you are sending a clear message: the lives of LGBT+ people in Benin matter. Together, we can push for justice to be done and for everyone to be able to live without fear, with dignity and respect.
During the last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2023, your government accepted two important recommendations:
- to combat stigma related to sexual orientation and gender identity;
- to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of violence against LGBT+ people.
These commitments raised hopes for real change for thousands of citizens who experience discrimination and violence on a daily basis. However, more than a year later, these promises remain unfulfilled.
We respectfully ask you to:
- publish a clear and measurable action plan to implement these commitments;
- ensure that law enforcement agencies thoroughly investigate all homophobic and transphobic attacks; - train police officers, magistrates and health workers in non-discrimination;
- protect organisations and individuals who defend LGBT+ rights.
Benin has a historic opportunity to show that it protects all its citizens, without exception. By implementing your commitments, you can send a strong message: violence and hatred have no place in our country.
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