UNHCR Assistant Representative – Protection Catherine Hamon Sharpe on protection of LGBTI refugees.
This year’s International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) theme was family and community.
This is a day we want to dedicate to the community to acknowledge the challenges its members face both in the countries of origin and country of asylum. We need to recognize that despite the challenges – in particular widespread homophobia, prejudice, discrimination, stigma, lack of protection – the LGBTI have created new communities in the countries of asylum.
It is important to understand that being a member of the LGBTI community does not exclude you from being part of a family, having your own family, being part of a community at large and contributing to the development and the strength of a community.
The ability of the LGBTI community to enjoy peaceful relationship with the other community members and theirs hosts is the strongest building block against homophobia.
This happens when community members are driven by mutual respect, understanding of the diversity and recognition that differences and the non-conformity with culturally established norms are not necessarily factors of division and opposition or sometimes even violence as we have sadly observed.
We recongize the efforts made by the LGBTI community through the positive contribution towards livelihoods and community-based protection.
It is also important to acknowledge the achievements by the LGBTI community to have enhanced access to livelihoods and to become self-reliant.
The community has demonstrated strong willingness to succeed both as a group and as individuals. The community has so many initiatives which we would like to support.
Today more than ever, however, resources are very scarce. Funds for the urban refugee programme will be reduced by almost a third in the coming year. Individual assistance will be reduced further and targeted towards community-based assistance approach.
Nevertheless, UNHCR’s response to the needs of all refugees has been and will continue to be mainstreamed within the delivery of protection and assistance services. It is all about inclusion and equal access to services.
UNHCR and its partners recognize the special needs of the LGBTI community members as well as those of other vulnerable refugees.
Addressing the misconception that LGBTI members are better assisted compared to other communities will contribute towards reducing tension and homophobic attitudes.
UNHCR also recognizes all the partners and they work they do to provide assistance, support to the LGBTI community and to empower its members.
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