Stop Homophobia and Hate Speech in Côte d'Ivoire
Sign now

The situation for LGBT+ youth in Côte d'Ivoire is getting worse every day - with an alarming rise in hate and discrimination. Take action now to show support the LGBT+ community!

In Côte d'Ivoire, an alarming crisis is currently unfolding: LGBTIA+ people, particularly the youth, have been facing a growing wave of hate speech and discrimination over the past few weeks on an unprecedented scale. They are living in constant fear, deprived of their fundamental right to freely express themselves and to live with dignity.

What makes this situation even more urgent is that this hate speech is not confined within Ivorian borders. Like a devastating shockwave, this intolerance is spreading rapidly throughout West Africa. Benin is already affected by this dangerous contagion. Similar rhetoric is starting to emerge within the Beninese population, threatening to replicate the destructive pattern observed in Côte d'Ivoire.

The impact of this wave of hate is profound and multi-dimensional. In Côte d'Ivoire, LGBTIA+ individuals are experiencing intense psychological stress, increasing social isolation, and are at greater risk of depression and anxiety. If this trend continues, we risk seeing an entire generation of LGBTIA+ youth across the region deprived of their fundamental rights.

Every day that passes without concrete action not only endangers lives in Côte d'Ivoire but also strengthens the systems of oppression against LGBTIA+ people in other West African countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and more. The Ivorian government, as a key decision-maker, has the power and responsibility to put an end to this discrimination. Its action—or inaction—will have repercussions far beyond its borders, potentially influencing the trajectory of LGBTIA+ rights across the entire region.

Your signature on this petition is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is an act of solidarity that can spark real, lasting change. By signing, you send a direct and powerful message to international institutions and the Ivorian government, urging them to take concrete and immediate measures to protect the rights of LGBTIA+ people.

Every signature strengthens our collective voice and increases pressure on decision-makers. Your support can help break this cycle of hate before it takes deeper root in Côte d'Ivoire and spreads further to Benin and other countries in the region.

By acting now, we can not only protect the lives and rights of LGBTIA+ people in Côte d'Ivoire but also establish a crucial positive precedent for the whole of West Africa.

Sign now to defend the dignity, equality, and hope of an entire generation of LGBTIA+ people! Let’s act now for meaningful and lasting change in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, and throughout West Africa!

0people have signed
Goal: 5,000

Government of Côte d'Ivoire, Minister of Human Rights in Côte d'Ivoire, African Commission of Human Rights, the African Union, the UN High Commission for Human Rights

Dear Authorities and Decision-Makers,

The recent expressions of hate, violence, and discrimination against this community are a serious violation of universal human rights principles. These acts are not only individual violations but also undermine the very foundations of a just and equitable society.

This rise in hate speech against members of the LGBT+ community not only hinders their personal development within Côte d'Ivoire, but also affects other countries in the sub-region, which often look to Côte d'Ivoire as an example in many aspects. These human rights violations are not merely a moral issue; they also have significant economic and social consequences. A society that excludes a part of its population cannot be prosperous and stable.

We urgently call on your government to take the following actions:

- Conduct large-scale awareness campaigns on the importance of respecting human rights to combat stereotypes and prejudices against LGBTIA+ people.
- Strengthen human rights protection mechanisms with a focus on LGBTIA+ people by creating helplines, safe shelters, and training law enforcement to better handle complaints (in partnership with civil society organizations).
- Collaborate with international organizations to benefit from their expertise and financial support.

We are convinced that your commitment to equality and justice will help create a safer and more inclusive environment for all. Our dedication to protecting the rights of LGBT youth across the African continent is unwavering.

0people have signed
Goal: 5,000

More ways to take action today!