Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Senegal to stop the persecution of people engaged in same-sex relationships ahead of the Youth Olympic Games. This raises questions about the country's compliance with the Olympic Charter.
In March, West Africa adopted a new law that doubled the maximum penalty for same-sex relations to ten years in prison. In recent months, a wave of homophobia has been observed in this predominantly Muslim and deeply religious country.
Dozens of people have been arrested on suspicion of same-sex relations, including 71 men who were brought to trial in August on charges of 'acts against nature'—a term used to denote same-sex relationships.
Senegal will host its first Olympic sporting event on African soil, welcoming around 2700 young athletes for the fourth Youth Olympics from October 31 to November 13.
In a report condemning the 'brutal persecution' in the country, HRW stated that 'the Olympic Charter prohibits discrimination on any grounds and obliges host countries to respect human rights and human dignity.'
HRW researcher Larissa Kojoue noted that 'ongoing government persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals raises serious concerns about Senegal's adherence to international law, the Olympic Charter, and its own laws.'
The human rights group emphasized that this persecution violates rights, generates growing fear and stigmatization, and must be stopped immediately. Furthermore, HRW added that the fear of arrest and stigmatization forces people to hide and avoid HIV testing and treatment, and also prevents lawyers from representing their interests.
Senegal's law was passed by the National Assembly by an overwhelming majority in March. It also provides for criminal penalties for those who promote or finance same-sex relationships.
In Senegal, the defense of LGBTQ+ rights is often criticized as a tool used by Western residents to impose alien values. In recent months, several West African countries have also adopted laws condemning same-sex relationships, further undermining LGBTQ+ rights on the continent.