ILGA-Europe’s Annual Review

ILGA-Europe’s annual review of the human rights situation of LGBTI people in Europe and Central Asia shows that in 2021 there was a startling increase in anti-LGBTI rhetoric from politicians and other leaders that caused a wave of violence with anti-LGBTI hate crime reported in every country. In response, there has been an allied determination in many countries, and at the European level, to fight against hatred and exclusion of LGBTI people.

Over the past year, politicians in countries across Europe have continued to demonize LGBTI people, leading to a surge in anti-LGBTI attacks. Meanwhile, Anti-gender and anti-trans rhetoric have remained widespread, often directed at young people in particular. The narrative pitting trans rights against women’s rights also continued this year, and in this context legal gender recognition (LGR) reform has declined in many countries.

The chapter on Armenia points out issues such as access to goods and services, bias-motivated speeches and violence, inhuman or degrading treatments, right to health and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There were 27 documented cases of physical and sexual violence towards LGBTI people in 2021, including beatings, stabbings and other serious attacks. 18 cases of domestic violence were recorded, in three of which the victims were minors.

It is clear that homophobia and transphobia, as well as constant discrimination and hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity, are clearly still prevalent globally. It is through the cooperation between LGBTI NGOs and state institutions that we can expect less discrimination against LGBTI people. This will allow us to recognize issues of violence against LGBTI people, as well as the need for public sector workers to be educated and sensitized so that they can provide appropriate assistance to LGBTI people.