Senegal’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people forces them to go into hiding, rights watchdog says
Human Rights Watch says at least 212 people were arrested from February to July as police used phone data, raids and forced HIV tests.
- Human Rights Watch reported Monday that Senegal's intensifying crackdown on LGBT people violates fundamental rights, raising concerns about compliance with the Olympic Charter ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games beginning October 31.
- Parliament amended Article 319 of the penal code in March, doubling prison terms for same-sex conduct to 10 years and criminalizing the 'promotion' of homosexuality, triggering over 300 arrests between February and July.
- Authorities subjected detainees to forced HIV testing without informed consent and leaked confidential medical information to media, while lawyers report defending those accused of 'acts against nature' exposes them to significant professional repercussions.
- Fear of arrest and social stigma has caused a sharp decline in HIV-related service usage; health professionals report many patients now avoid clinics while experiencing increased anxiety, hypervigilance, and withdrawal from social life.
- Senegal will host the first-ever Olympic event on African soil from October 31 to November 13, yet the ongoing crackdown calls into question the country's commitment to the Olympic Charter, which prohibits discrimination on any grounds.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Hundreds arrested amid Senegal’s anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown: “Threatens everyone’s rights.”
Senegal’s ongoing crackdown on its LGBTQ+ community is not only increasing fear and stigma on the West African coast, but it is likely also violating international human rights laws as well as protections guaranteed by the country’s own constitution, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW). While same-sex sexual conduct has been illegal in Senegal since 1965, hostility toward LGBTQ+ people in the country has intensified significa…
Senegal’s anti-LGBT crackdown ahead of Youth Olympic Games poses human rights concerns, HRW says
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday condemned Senegal’s harsh crackdown on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, warning that mass arrests, forced HIV testing and punitive laws are violating basic rights and fueling fear and stigma. The group urged the government to bring to a halt these abuses immediately, especially as Senegal prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games later this month. HRW researcher Larrissa Kojoué commented on …
Senegal’s LGBTQIA+ crackdown raises questions ahead of youth Olympics
Tessa Ogle A new Human Rights Watch investigation has documented mass arrests, forced HIV testing and growing fear among LGBTQ+ people in […] The post Senegal’s LGBTQIA+ crackdown raises questions ahead of youth Olympics appeared first on QNews.
Human Rights Watch warns of LGBTQ+ crackdown in Senegal as arrests rise
In a report released Monday, Human Rights Watch warned that the government’s crackdown is fueling stigma, driving people into hiding, and discouraging access to HIV testing and treatment.
Senegal Forces Accused of Forcing HIV Tests on LGBT Detainees as Positive Results Lead to More Charges
Human Rights Watch says Senegalese authorities subjected LGBT detainees to HIV tests without consent and used positive results for additional charges during a widening crackdown.
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