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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) was first  commemorated in 2004 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, including all people who have diverse gender identities or gender expressions. The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. The theme for 2022 is ‘Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights’.  

Despite us proudly constructing some of the most progressive legal environments that recognize and promote the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons, this group remains a vulnerable group that often  falls  victim to violent crimes, or hate crimes, in South Africa. For example, it has been reported that over the last year there have been a minimum of 24 known LGBTI murders that took place in South Africa.[1] The intersection of such killings between sexual orientation and race also cannot be ignored, with most of the victims being of African descent. 

The issue of eradicating violence against LGBTI persons was central to the adoption of Resolution 275 by African States in 2014. Resolution 275 focuses on “Protection against Violence and other Human Rights Violations against Persons on the basis of their real or imputed Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.” The resolution calls upon states to take action for stopping such violence and take appropriate measures to ensure adequate remedies are ensured to victims of such violence. The ongoing violence against various vulnerable groups in the country point to the fact that existing measures and remedies have not achieved the desired effect of eradicating violence and ensuring access to justice for victims of violence. 

With various activities being planned to commemorate the day, the Commission calls for action toward the eradication of violence and the promotion of respect for the right to life, safety and security, equal treatment, and the respect for the human dignity of all LGBTI persons.

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission