Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) is prohibited by international human rights instruments, which the majority of states have ratified. Nevertheless, persons with a sexual orientation and / or gender identity that does not conform to – perceived – majority norms face disproportionate discrimination, marginalisation and violence. Development cooperation has started to pay attention to discrimination on grounds of SOGIESC in policy formulation and programming. It is still perceived as a highly sensitive and political issue, which cannot be easily addressed with development partners, especially where LGBTI people are criminalised.
This tool seeks to motivate development practitioners to consider human rights relating to sexual orientation and gender identity in development cooperation programmes. It introduces the relevant human rights framework and gives examples of how German development cooperation has dealt with human rights relating to sexual orientation and gender identity so far.
