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Social Justice International is committed to providing services and support for vulnerable people within the United Kingdom, the European Union and Internationally.

The two most vulnerable groups that we work with are:
· Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Intersex – LGBTI+ people
· Refugees and Vulnerable Migrants

‘Protecting the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual , Intersex – LGBTI+ people – Internationally’

‘Social Justice International is committed to fostering a world culture where individuals with diverse sexuality and/or gender feel respected, valued, empowered and safe’ 

Many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people are adversely affected by multi-layered discrimination, marginalisation and stigma. This can directly have serious risk factors for their safety and mental health, through experiences which can include violence, bullying or rejection and discrimination from school, family, friends, and workplaces and from society more generally.

In numerous countries in the world TODAY, individuals can experience torture and even death, and it is unsafe for LGBTI+ people to freely visit and feel protected and safe, in excess of 140 countries around the world.

The United Nations and other organisations have documented widespread physical and psychological violence against LGBTI+ persons in all regions – including murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, sexual violence, as well as torture and ill-treatment in institutional and other settings. LGBTI+ youth and lesbian, bisexual and transgender women are at particular risk of physical, psychological and sexual violence in family and community settings. LGBTI+ persons often face violence and discrimination when seeking refuge from persecution and in humanitarian emergencies. They may also face abuse in medical settings, including unethical and harmful so-called “therapies” to change sexual orientation, forced or coercive sterilization, forced genital and anal examinations, and unnecessary surgery and treatment on intersex children without their consent. In many countries, the response to these violations is inadequate, they are underreported and often not properly investigated and prosecuted, leading to widespread impunity and lack of justice, remedies and support for victims. Human rights defenders combatting these violations are frequently persecuted and face discriminatory restrictions on their activities.

Community, religious and political leaders, commercial organizations, workers’ organisations, the private sector, health providers, the Police, civil society organizations and the media also have important roles to play. Human rights are universal – cultural, religious and moral practices and beliefs and social attitudes cannot be invoked to justify human rights violations against any group, including LGBTI+ persons.

“All people have an equal right to live free from violence, persecution, discrimination and stigma. International human rights law establishes legal obligations on States to ensure that every person, without distinction, can enjoy these rights. While welcoming increasing efforts in many countries to protect the rights of LGBTI+ people, we remain seriously concerned that around the world, millions of LGBTI+ individuals, those perceived as LGBTI+ and their families face widespread human rights violations. This is cause for alarm – and action.”

States should respect international human rights standards, including by reviewing, repealing and establishing a moratorium on the application of:
• Laws that criminalise same-sex conduct between consenting adults;
• Laws that criminalise transgender people on the basis of their gender expression;

Other laws used to arrest, punish or discriminate against people on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

States should protect LGBTI+ persons from violence, torture and ill-treatment, including by:
• Investigating, prosecuting and providing remedy for acts of violence, torture and ill-treatment against LGBTI+ adults, adolescents and children, and those who defend their human rights;
• Strengthening efforts to prevent, monitor and report such violence;
• Incorporating homophobia and transphobia as aggravating factors in laws against hate crime and hate speech;
• Recognizing that persecution of people because they are (or are perceived to be) LGBTI+ may constitute a valid ground for asylum, and not returning such refugees to a place where their life or freedom might be threatened.

States should uphold international human rights standards on non-discrimination, including by:
• Prohibiting discrimination against LGBTI+ adults, adolescents and children in all contexts – including in education, employment, healthcare, housing, social protection, criminal justice and in asylum and detention settings;
• Ensuring legal recognition of the gender identity of transgender people without abusive requirements;
• Combating prejudice against LGBTI+ people through dialogue, public education and training;
• Ensuring that LGBTI+ people are consulted and participate in the design, implementation and monitoring of laws, policies and programmes that affect them, including development and humanitarian initiatives.

‘Protecting the rights of Refugees – Internationally’

Social Justice International is committed to the rights and protection of refugees and other vulnerable migrants in the United Kingdom and countries around the world

Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution; (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 14.1

Refugees, refugee claimants, displaced persons and immigrants have the right to a dignified life and the rights and protections laid out in national and international agreements and conventions concerning human rights;

The United Kingdom, and other countries have responsibilities for the protection and resettlement of refugees from around the world;

Settlement services to refugees and immigrants are fundamental to participation in the life of the host country;

National and international refugee and immigration policies must accord special consideration to the experience of refugee and immigrant women and children and to the effect of discrimination and, or racism.

Social Justice International believes in:

  • Networking and professional development through attendance at conferences, working groups, publications and meetings;
  • Working in cooperation with other networks to strengthen the defence of refugee rights;
  • Advancing policy analysis and information-exchange on refugee and related issues;
  • Advocating for the rights of refugees and immigrants through media relations, government relations, research, public education and community programmes.

Social Justice International is particularly concerned about:

  • Protection of refugees in the United Kingdom and around the world
  • Trafficking of women and girls
  • Impact of security agenda
  • Refugee resettlement
  • Immigration detention
  • Integration of immigrants and refugees into society
  • Newcomers’ access to assistance and services
  • People without status or documentation
  • Rights of children and Newcomer youth
  • Anti-racism
  • LGBTI+ refugees