The UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is seeking input on the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT) persons deprived of liberty. 

Activists and organisations worldwide have an opportunity to share information, cases, testimonies, data and good practices to inform his upcoming report to the UN Human Rights Council. The call for input is open until **30 November 2026**.  

People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities can face heightened risks of violence, discrimination, and ill-treatment when deprived of their liberty. 

These risks can begin even before a person enters a detention facility. Discriminatory laws, profiling and bias in policing can expose LGBT and gender-diverse people to arbitrary arrest and detention. Once deprived of liberty, they may face violence by officials or other detainees, abusive or humiliating searches, inappropriate placement, isolation, barriers to healthcare, and discrimination in accessing services, activities and other rights.  

At the same time, promising practices from different parts of the world show that change is possible. Individualised risk assessments, respectful recognition of a person’s identity, access to appropriate healthcare, safeguards around searches and placement, independent monitoring, staff training, meaningful participation of people with lived experience, and collaboration with civil society can all contribute to safer and more dignified conditions of detention.  

The Independent Expert’s upcoming report provides an important opportunity to document both the violations LGBT and gender-diverse people experience when deprived of liberty and the measures that States and detention authorities can take to prevent them. 

You too can inform the Independent Expert’s upcoming report! 

• Make an individual submission: find all information, guiding questions and instructions on how to contribute in the Independent Expert’s official call for input. Submissions are due by 30 November 2026  

• Join forces with ILGA World!  We will prepare a submission and welcome information from our members and partners. If you have documented cases, testimonies, data, research or examples of promising practices concerning LGBT and gender-diverse persons deprived of liberty in your country or region, please send your inputs to sp (a) ilga (dot) org by 10th of November. 

Your contributions can help ensure that the realities and experiences of LGBT and gender-diverse people deprived of liberty are reflected in the United Nations’ analysis and recommendations. 

Let’s do this together!