Under the theme Together Always: United in Diversity, IDAHOT 2023 seeks to highlight the power of solidarity in fighting against the scourge of violence that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people continue to face across the world. Further recognising that only unity in diversity can bring about meaningful change in protecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

In South Africa, despite the Constitutional provision which protects against unfair discrimination, the LGBTQIA+ community continue to be marginalised. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people continue to bear the brunt of a society that discriminates against them. In some instances, LGBTQIA+ people are discriminated against by their own families. The hate crime wave that continues to ravage LGBTQ+ community in South Africa is brought to the fore by reports of raping and brutal killings of victims simply because they identify differently to societal norms.  

Reports of LGBTQIA+ learners discriminated against their right to access to basic education simply because they do not conform to wearing skirts continue to be reported to the Commission and published in the media.

As an institution created to protect human rights in the country, the Commission continues to raise awareness on the rights of LGBTQIA+ community and, discharge its protection mandate by intervening when such rights are violated.

The Commission calls for greater societal protection and awareness of the rights of LGBTQIA+ community, and calls on government to ensure an inclusive service ethos in the public service to ensure that this community stands on equal footing with the diverse citizenry of the country.

Only through up skilling, respectful engagement, knowledge and tolerance can we begin to have a government workforce and society that gives full expression to the country’s motto: ! Ke e:/Carrara //ke ( Diverse people unite).

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission.

Wisani Baloyi – Acting Communications Coordinator Tel: 081 016 8308 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alucia Sekgathume Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.