Africa Unite Solidarity Campaign
OverviewThe Africa Unite Solidarity Campaign, coordinated by WACI Health, brings together partners in East Africa and South Africa to provide technical support, foster safe spaces, and lead advocacy efforts that promote the rights of LGBTQI+ communities and work towards repealing discriminatory laws in Africa.
Our Purpose
In many African countries, homosexuality remains taboo and is met with significant intolerance. Conservative views on gender identities and roles contribute to widespread discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.
In March 2023, the Ugandan Parliament enacted what is widely considered the harshest anti- LGBTIQ law to date, the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (AHA2023). Despite national and international outcry, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni signed the law into effect on 29 May 2023. Immediately after, he called upon law enforcement to operationalize the legislation, inviting violent actions toward individuals suspected or known to be LGBTQI+. Those expressing diverse sexual identities now face an increased risk of violence and discrimination.
Reports indicate that many members of Uganda’s LGBTQI+ community relocated to places of safety or left the country. This forced displacement increases the barriers to accessing essential health services for some of the most affected and vulnerable populations. Stigmatization, discrimination, violence, and criminalization further hinders access to health. Many remain displaced, with their lives and well-being at risk, underscoring the urgent need for redress.
Communities, civil society, and faith leaders in Africa are deeply concerned about the harmful impact of the AHA2023 and discriminatory legislation. Not only does the law threaten the health and human rights of Ugandan citizens, but also jeopardizes the progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS; criminalizing a vulnerable community most affected by the epidemic could reverse hard-won gains.
Beyond Uganda, there is a growing wave of homophobia across other countries in the region. Recognizing this threat to human rights, civil society, community leaders, and allies through the Africa Unite Solidarity Campaign are standing in solidarity with Uganda’s LGBTQI+ community and speaking out against similar efforts in other African countries.
Our Activities
The Africa Solidarity Forum calls on all stakeholders—civil society, donors, faith leaders, political leaders, and communities—to support affected communities in Uganda through solidarity actions. We continue to raise our collective voices to condemn the AHA2023 and call on the Ugandan President to repeal this oppressive law and provide legal, social, and economic support to affected communities. We also call on donors to increase financial support to community-led organizations, where LGBTQI+ communities can safely access HIV prevention, treatment, and support services.
Side Event at the United Nations General Assembly
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2023, LGBTQI+ community members, civil society organizations, allies, activists, and faith leaders convened in New York to engage with U.S. envoys on LGBTQI+ rights and members of the U.S. Senate on human rights issues affecting LGBTQI+ communities. The session also discussed joint efforts to address human rights violations and promote access to health services for all.
Africa Regional Day
of Action
In July 2023, LGBTQI+ community members, allies, and concerned citizens convened under the Africa Unite Solidarity Campaign gathered in front of the Ugandan Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The group developed and submitted a joint Africa regional statement that called for the repeal of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. Participants also called on all African leaders to stand against anti-homosexuality laws and strongly promote human rights.
Action at the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage
Members of the Africa Unite Solidarity Campaign led by GFAN Africa and Health GAP held a picket action in New York on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in September 2023. UHC’s foundational principle of leaving no one behind must include protecting the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. The demonstration aimed to send a clear message to global decision-makers: achieving UHC means ensuring access to health for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Held outside the European Union (EU) Mission in New York, the picket also called on the EU to stop enabling discriminatory, anti-homosexuality laws in Africa. The EU must cease funding countries and programs that violate human rights. Discriminatory legislation bars the LGBTQI+ community from accessing essential health services, contradicting UHC’s principles and undermining health equity.
Ongoing Social Media Engagement
All the activities were supported by a social media campaign by partners in order to reach a broader audience and the general public with anti-discrimination messaging. Partners and allies shared and engaged with content to spark conversations on the critical links between health equity, human rights, and inclusive policies as well as to highlight the impact of anti-LGBTQI+ laws that violate fundamental human rights.
Publications
Relatedpdf
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill strongly undermines efforts to end new HIV infections
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Joint Statement by GFAN Africa and Pamoja4SRHR Platform on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023
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