66 jurisdictions criminalise private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. But criminalisation doesn't look the same everywhere. Our updated country profiles show which laws are used, how they are enforced, and what #LGBT+ people face as a result. humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-t…

'On United Nations Day, we are reminded that the international human rights framework is one of humanity’s most important achievements and one we cannot afford to take for granted. At a time when these protections face growing pressure from populist politics and concerted efforts to undermine international institutions, defending them is more urgent than ever. The recognition of Navi Pillay with the Nobel Peace Prize is an encouraging sign of the enduring importance of international human rights law, the UN system and the treaty bodies that uphold it. These institutions are not remote or abstract: they provide vital avenues for people to challenge discrimination, hold governments to account and secure recognition of rights that might otherwise be denied. Rosanna Flamer-Caldera’s groundbreaking complaint to the CEDAW Committee demonstrates precisely why these mechanisms matter. By challenging Sri Lanka’s criminalisation of same-sex sexual conduct between women in a case we supported, Rosanna brought an issue long marginalised in international human rights law before a global body charged with ending discrimination against women. As the first individual complaint considered by the Committee specifically concerning the criminalisation of lesbian and bisexual women, the case has significance far beyond Sri Lanka. It underscores the power of international human rights frameworks to challenge discriminatory laws and advance equality for women in all their diversity. On this #UNDay, we must remember that these protections were hard-won and exist for good reason. They must be cherished, defended and strengthened, not dismantled, so that international human rights law can continue to deliver meaningful change for generations to come.' - @TéaBraun, Chief Executive.

This month marks three years since the Supreme Court of #Mauritius ruled that the criminalisation of consensual same-sex intimacy between men was unconstitutional. The landmark case was brought by Abdool Ridwan (Ryan) Firaas Ah Seek, with support from the Human Dignity Trust, challenging Section 250 of the Mauritian Criminal Code — a colonial-era provision dating back to 1838 that criminalised ‘sodomy’ and carried a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. In this reflection to @CAEC_Mauritius, Ryan Ah Seek looks back on the impact of the judgment, the changes it has brought to the lives of #LGBT+ people in Mauritius and why the struggle for equality is far from over. 🔗 Read more: collectifarcenciel.org/we-ar…

This November, the Human Dignity Trust turns 15. As part of our 15th anniversary celebrations, kicking off in early November, we’re creating a special tribute to our supporters and we’d love you to be part of it. Take our short survey by 31 October to share why you support us. Your response is completely anonymous and together your answers will become a visual celebration of why our community shows up, year after year. forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/…

This week, our Head of Strategic Communications, Emma Eastwood attended Mr and Mrs Smith To Seek, To Find, its debut photography exhibition, in partnership with @friezeofficial Week. The exhibition brought together some of the most exciting names in contemporary photography, including Tina Barney, Paolo Di Lucente and Isabelle Young, alongside an exclusive work by the late Martin Parr. A selection of lithographic prints were available to purchase, with all proceeds supporting the Human Dignity Trust. We are grateful to Mr and Mrs Smith for supporting such an important cause.

This October, Mr & Mrs Smith presents To Seek, To Find, its debut photography exhibition, in partnership with Frieze Week. Curated by Brandei Estes, Acting Senior Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, the exhibition invites us to look closer at places we think we know and to rediscover them through fresh eyes. It brings together some of the most exciting names in contemporary photography, including Tina Barney, Paolo Di Lucente and Isabelle Young, alongside an exclusive work by the late Martin Parr. The artworks will be available to purchase as artist-editioned prints during the exhibition run. A selection of lithographic prints will also be available to buy for a limited time on mrandmrssmith.com with all proceeds going towards the Human Dignity Trust. To Seek, To Find is now open to the public until tomorrow at No.9 Cork Street.

Being attacked, threatened or abused because of who you are can leave lasting physical and psychological scars. Yet for many people, prejudice and hostility are a daily reality. In our new short film, Lesotho United Against Hate: A Law for Everyone, Giselle, a trans woman working with our partner, @matrixlesotho in Lesotho, courageously shares her experience of hate crime. Her powerful personal testimony reveals the devastating impact of hate-motivated violence and highlights the urgent need for stronger laws to protect those most at risk. Watch the full video: humandignitytrust.org/video/… #HateCrimeAwarenessWeek

Anti-LGBT + hate crime remains a social problem of global proportions. Being attacked, threatened or abused because of who you are can have lasting physical and psychological impacts. Yet for many #LGBT+ people, prejudice and hostility remain an everyday reality. This #HateCrimeAwarenessWeek, explore our in-depth reports on how legal frameworks can help prevent and address hate-motivated violence. We’re also updating our hate crime reports, so watch this space. 🔗 humandignitytrust.org/?s=hat…

Being attacked, threatened or abused because of who you are can leave lasting physical and psychological scars. Yet for many people, prejudice and hostility are a daily reality. At the Human Dignity Trust, we work with governments and local organisations to strengthen protections against hate-motivated violence. In #Lesotho, we are supporting the government and our partner, @matrixlesotho, to develop and bring into force effective hate crime legislation. This #HateCrimeAwarenessWeek, we proud to share Lesotho United Against Hate: A Law for Everyone. Our new short film which brings together government and civil society voices championing stronger protections against hate-motivated crimes and promoting dignity, equality and justice for all. @Queer_WorX @SesothoMedia @TeaBraun @TamposeMothopen

No one should have to fear a death sentence for who they are 🏳️‍🌈 This #WorldDayAgainstTheDeathPenalty, we are shining a light on the #LGBT+ communities in the 12 jurisdictions worldwide that permit or enforce the death penalty for same-sex intimacy. humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-t…

🌏 DID YOU KNOW? Six countries in the Pacific still criminalise consensual same-sex intimacy. These are Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. 🔎 Explore our updated country profiles to learn more about the laws, how they are enforced and the realities #LGBT+ people face. humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-t…

How are LGBT+ people criminalised around the world? 🇳🇪 Earlier this year, the West African nation of #Niger enacted a law criminalising consensual same-sex intimacy for the first time in its history. 🇦🇪 In the United Arab Emirates, same-sex sexual activity may be penalised under Sharia law, under which the death penalty is possible. 🇺🇬 In 2023, #Uganda enacted the Anti-Homosexuality Act. It provides for the death penalty for certain cases of 'aggravated homosexuality', including repeated same-sex sexual acts in specified circumstances. 🌍 Around the world, 42 countries criminalise consensual sexual activity between women. These include the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal and the Solomon Islands. Explore our updated Map of Criminalisation and country profiles to discover which laws are used, how they are enforced and the impact on #LGBT+ people: humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-t…

On Friday, Senior Lawyer Anushka Gunawardena joined a panel discussion on 'Current Challenges to LGBTQ+ Rights and the Role of the Media.' Hosted by @GT_Law in cooperation with the LGBTQI+ Committee of @IBAnews, the engaging discussion examined the pressing challenges facing #LGBTQ+ rights today and explored the pivotal role of the media in shaping public discourse and narratives around these issues.