Blog by Priti Patel, Senior Policy Advisor, UNDP
Ten years ago this month, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted Resolution 275, marking a shift in the landscape of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) rights on the continent. This groundbreaking resolution marked the first official affirmation of the rights of LGBTI+ Africans by the African Commission. The 10 years since its adoption have been filled with triumphs and tribulations as countries and the Commission itself continue to work out how to best apply and implement the requirements of the resolution.
The Resolution on Protection against Violence and other Human Rights Violations against Persons on the basis of their real or imputed Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity, commonly known as Resolution 275, was adopted in April 2014. This was achieved thanks to relentless efforts by civil society, Commissioners and other key players.
The resolution requires that countries protect human rights defenders and civil society organizations from stigma, reprisals or criminal prosecution because of their work on sexual orientation and gender identity. It further requires countries to end all acts of violence and abuse by state or non-state actors by enacting and effectively implementing laws prohibiting and punishing violence targeting people on the basis of their real or imputed sexual orientation and gender identities, properly investigating and effectively prosecuting perpetrators and establishing judicial procedures that effectively respond to the needs of victims.
A decade on, Resolution 275 remains a beacon in the storm. In the years since its adoption, countries have achieved significant progress towards meeting its requirements, following a global trend towards decriminalization of same-sex sex.
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