Transnaitonal Justice and the Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ Rights

Over the last few years, there has been an increased visibility of the state of the lives of the LGBTQIA+ population throughout Africa. What has been uncovered is that LGBTQIA+ lives have been plagued by severe violence during conflict and post-conflict phases, and for the most part these experiences have gone unspoken and undocumented. As LGBTQIA+ rights organisations gain momentum in their fight for recognition, equality and safety on the continent, it begs the question: How do we include LGBTQIA+ rights in transitional justice? This policy brief explores the challenges and opportunities of the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ rights in transitional justice processes using three country case studies: South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. In order to address this gap in policy and practice, we first need to have a clear understanding of the meaning of gender and sexual orientation and why these constructs are so closely linked to conflict and violence.