Report on the convening of SADC members of parliament to discuss harmful practices in Africa

This report provides a summary of a 2-day convening of Members of Parliament from Southern Africa convened by the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Outright International and the Inclusive Governance Initiative (IGI) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The objective of this convening was to enhance the capacity of SADC parliamentarians to understand and address conversion practices in Africa: parliamentarians were sensitized on the nature, extent, and impact of conversion practices in Africa to easily identify conversion practices as human rights violations and respond as such. The convening brought together parliamentarians from various SADC countries and their officers, and human rights experts and activists.

The convening discussed the challenges faced by sexual and gender minorities in the SADC region, particularly as it relates to harmful conversion practices. The meeting recognized the crucial role of parliamentarians in instigating the necessary societal and legislative changes to protect sexual and gender minorities from the harmful effects of conversion practices and all kinds of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE). In a dedicated parliamentary dialogue, lawmakers recognized the harms of conversion practices and violence based on SOGIE and suggested useful strategies for combating conversion practices and advancing the rights of sexual and gender minorities.

The discussions reiterated the need for comprehensive legislation, sensitization and education of lawmakers on sexual and gender minorities issues, and the strategic use of regional and international human rights instruments to combat harmful practices and SOGIE based violence. This discussion further highlighted the need for cooperation, inclusivity, and understanding in the policymaking process, and reinforcing the role of parliamentarians in driving societal change. Key action points from the meeting included the need for improved data collection framework that is developed, owned, and controlled by Africans for advancement of their needs, the development of a SADC-PF SOGIESC framework, development of best practices, the sensitization of religious and traditional leaders and the implementation of accountability mechanisms for championing SOGIESC issues in the region.

The meeting served as an essential platform for dialogue and strategizing on the advancement of human rights in the SADC region. The meeting reiterated the urgency to address conversion practices, harmonize existing laws and policies, and promote the African concept of Ubuntu. It further served as an important platform for Southern African members of parliament to formulate specific key strategies which they could use to contribute to the eradication of conversion practices and ensure the enjoyment of fundamental human rights by all in Africa.