UNHCR: Reaffirming protection for LGBTIQ+ refugees

GENEVA – On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, stands in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ people forced to flee persecution, violence and discrimination.

Everyone fleeing threats to their life or freedom has the right to seek asylum and be protected. Upholding this principle is essential to ensuring safety and dignity for all, not least LGBTIQ+ people.

The right to seek asylum is about more than safety – it means protection, dignity and the chance to rebuild. When we uphold this right without discrimination, including for LGBTIQ+ people, we save lives and help build stronger, more stable societies.

Even after crossing an international border in search of safety, many LGBTIQ+ refugees continue to face violence, stigma and barriers to services such as housing, healthcare, education and livelihoods.

UNHCR is concerned about the decreasing level of funding, including for community-based organizations working to protect LGBTIQ+ refugees. In this difficult scenario, UNHCR continues to work with governments, partners and communities to ensure that all people forced to flee are protected, respected and treated with dignity and without discrimination.