With no explicit reference to sexuality in treaty law, how is sexual diversity protected?
A central task of the human rights movement has always been to challenge traditional and even sincerely held attitudes and customs when they entail the direct infliction of harm, suffering or discrimination upon others. And although many different minorities have benefited, this protection has not been easily extended to sexual minorities. Some progress has been made – particularly through the progressive interpretations of human rights courts and treaty-monitoring bodies – but to date there is no explicit reference to sexual minorities in treaty law. Where, then, do they stand within international law?
Applications are being accepted for the tenth edition of ARSRC's annual Sexuality Leadership Development Fellowship Programme. The two-week course is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria from July 14 - 27, 2013.MORE
When States Use Legislation Against Women Human Rights Defenders
With the upsurge in the criminalization of civil society, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders’ 2012 report discusses how States use legislation to regulate the activities of human rights defenders. This article reviews the report and its relevance to women human rights defenders.MORE
The Price of Abortion Restrictions in Uganda
Abortion is illegal in Uganda. According to the Penal Code, a doctor who thinks that an abortion is justified to save the life of the mother, must write to the director general of medical services in the health ministry, seeking approval to terminate the pregnancy. This article explores how a restrictive policy can bring great cost and pain to citizens.MORE
PUBLICATIONS SPOTLIGHT
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
"This Old Man Can Feed Us, You Will Marry Him": Child and Forced Marriage in South Sudan
This report documents the consequences of child marriage, the near total lack of protection for victims who try to resist marriage or leave abusive marriages, and the many obstacles they face in accessing mechanisms of redress. download
A Promise To Keep: Supporting Out-Of-School Adolescent Girls to Reach Their Potential
This policy brief is based on a study initiated to broaden understanding about the reality, needs and concerns of out of school adolescent girls, as foundation for evidence- based advocacy and intervention planning for the education, health, safety and livelihood of marginalized girls in Lagos, and similar poor and socially disadvantaged communities in Nigeria.
Traditional Values? Attempts to Censor Sexuality. Homosexual propaganda bans, freedom of expression and equality
This brief examines the recent proliferation of prohibitions on so-called "homosexual propaganda", and provides clear guidance on how international standards on freedom of expression and non-discrimination may be used in advocacy against such laws.download
"I Will Never Be Cut": Kenyan Girls Fight Back Against Genital Mutilation
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