Human Rights Lawyer Addresses LGBTQI+ Violence in Bangladesh at International Conference in Paris

In a stirring address at the International Conference on Persecution of LGBT+ people held at Gaîté Lyrique, Paris, Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi Human Rights lawyer and Founder President of JusticeMaker Bangladesh in France (JMBF), shed light on the harrowing reality faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. 

The conference, jointly organized by esteemed organizations including the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality (ADUH), ILGA World, Egides, Stop Homophobia, and LGBT International Solidarity on 6th February 2024, provided a platform for advocates and activists to discuss and address the global panorama of violence against the LGBTQI+ community.

Shahanur Islam's presentation delved into the findings of a media monitoring report on violence against LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh throughout 2022, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by this marginalized community. According to the report, a total of 204 LGBTQI+ individuals were subjected to significant violence across 51 incidents, ranging from killings and physical assaults to psychological abuse, attempted suicides, and various forms of harassment and extortion.

The report outlined a distressing series of events, including 11 incidents resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 individuals, as well as three incidents of attempted suicide involving five individuals. Additionally, 16 incidents of physical assaults victimized 148 individuals, while others faced job suspensions, kidnappings, detainments, and fabricated cases leading to arrests and jail custody.

Shahanur Islam's impassioned plea for awareness and action resonated throughout the conference hall, highlighting the urgent need for international solidarity and advocacy to combat the rampant discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQI+ communities globally. His compelling presentation underscored the importance of legal reforms, grassroots activism, and policy interventions to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The conference also featured distinguished speakers including Jean-Marc Berthon, the Ambassador for LGBT+ People's Rights, Amélie Hu, a Research Consultant at ILGA World and Chinese LGBTQIA+ activist, Lucas Ramón Mendos, Research Director of ILGA, and Etienne Deshoulières, President of the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality, among others. Their insights and expertise contributed to a robust dialogue on advancing LGBTQI+ rights and combating systemic oppression and discrimination.

As the global community continues to grapple with the pervasive challenges of homophobia, transphobia, and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals, conferences like these serve as crucial platforms for advocacy, education, and solidarity. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment, activists and allies strive to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all, where every individual can live free from fear and discrimination. 

Mustafa Gharbi, Director of the cabinet of Andy KERBRAT, Member of Parliament for Loire-Atlantique, Law Commissioner, Robert Simon, President of Solidarity International LGBT, Terrence Khatchadourian, Secretary General of Stop Homophobia, were present at the conference amongst others.