Defending Human Rights: A Resource Book for Human

An NGO that has sought observer status before
the African Commission is the Coalition of African
Lesbians (CAL). The application for observer status 61
was filed back in 2008, two years later on October
25 th 2010, their application was denied. The African
Commission failed to give a reason as to why the
application was denied after having been deferred
twice before.
World Social Forum
Besides using institutions to achieve change, LGBTI activists
need to seek forums where they can present their cause. One
such example is the World Social Forum that took place in Kenya
in January 2007, where LGBTI organizations from all over the
world and particularly Africa used the opportunity to speak
out on their challenges and educate the wider public about
their rights and needs. They did so by providing workshops,
organizing several dialogue sessions, and presenting information
through public display. The response from fellow activists and
the public was largely positive and provided ground for further
advocacy especially in the host country Kenya. Advances made
in such forums should be strategically utilized and followed-up
by the activists.
Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders
2011
At the age of 21, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera became involved
in working with gay rights in Uganda. Since then she has been
a powerful spokesperson for LGBTI rights. Kasha was one
of the first individuals to openly speak out about her sexual
identity. In 2007 after speaking about respect and tolerance
of homosexuals at the World Social Forum in Kenya, she was
harassed. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom
and Roam Uganda (FARUG). Kasha’s name also appeared in the
Rolling Stone publication earlier last year. In 2011, Kasha was
made the honorary recipient of the Martin Ennals Award for
Human Rights Defenders. Despite facing public harassment,
Kasha has maintained a steadfast dedication to defending LGBTI
rights.
LGBT activists however, have to carefully assess
the situation in their respective countries. The first
challenge is to find trustworthy, dedicated partners,
to agree on what is to be achieved within a given
national setting, and to determine how that can
be most effectively done. It is essential to identify
likely supporters of one’s cause, which often are
selected local women’s organizations, international
human rights organizations, donor organizations,
staff of international organizations, and diplomatic
missions. Forming an alliance with such organisation
could have negative consequences as well as
61 http://www.defendingwomen-defendingrights.org/
cal_application.php
positive ones. Benefiting from their social, political
and economic power can help in publicizing and
to some extent legitimize LGBTI issues. However,
with regards to openly involving international
organizations in local struggles, the self-motivation,
genuineness and dedication of local activists should
not be overshadowed by international support, as
the argument of homosexuality being “alien” and
‘non-African” is still rife. Activists should therefore
enter strategic alliances with supporters taking
into account all possible effects and utilize these
alliances more on the legislative and policy-making
level. Donors and international organizations on
the other hand should make it a point to involve
an LGBTI component in their activities wherever
possible. For example, inviting LGBTI activists to
workshops and trainings will not only enhance their
ability to defend the rights of LGBTI individuals but
also communicate to fellow activists their views and
allow them to get to know the human factor that is
often left out in the discussion about homosexuality.
By including LGBTI individuals in sexual healthcare,
and HIV/AIDS programmes, organizations can try to
combat the neglect that this group has experienced
in this area and that has enhanced their vulnerability
even further.
Getting support from local civil society is the
biggest challenge LGBTI activists face in the current
setting throughout the East and Horn of Africa.
Their persistent marginalization within the national
human rights movements denies them legitimacy
in the eyes of the public and the State and helps
to abet the crimes perpetrated against LGBTI
individuals. Meeting on neutral grounds with civil
society members for sensitization can be the start
for a more positive attitude. Involving policy-makers
and legislators in such forums at a later stage will
allow for lobbying to decriminalize homosexuality.
Advancing arguments from a human rights and
legal perspective in a professional manner, with
the support of civil society and if possible national
human rights institutions, e.g. Human Rights
Commissions, can contribute to fresh and more
humane perspectives on the issues at stake and
allow for a dialogue.
In 2009 the Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights
and Constitutional Law was formed in Uganda
in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill being
presented to Parliament by Hon. David Bahati.
The Coalition is comprised of LGBTI and so called
mainstream organisations seeking to block the
passing of the Bill as well as working towards full
recognition and respect for sexual rights of all
Ugandans. To date, the Bill has not been passed
which can largely be credited to international
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Defending Human Rights: A Resource Book for Human Rights Defenders | 2nd Edition