Rights Group Advocates for LGBTI Protection and HIV Prevention Inclusion
The Coalition for Gender and Equality Sierra Leone has issued a call for enhanced protection of human rights for members of the LGBTI community, emphasizing the critical need for their inclusion in national HIV prevention programs.
In a recent interview, Sylvanus Kpobay Komeh, a representative of the Coalition, highlighted the organization's collaboration with the HIV Group of Sierra Leone. The joint initiative aims to safeguard human rights and provide essential support to individuals facing stigma, discrimination, and systemic abuse.
Focusing primarily on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex citizens, the Coalition advocates for equal access to constitutional rights and basic protections guaranteed to all Sierra Leoneans.
“We are not promoting specific lifestyles, but ensuring that these citizens can exercise their fundamental human rights under the Constitution,” Komeh stated.
To address human rights violations, the Coalition has built confidential reporting networks across the country. Reported incidents are thoroughly documented and investigated before being escalated to the appropriate authorities.
For cases involving physical assault, the group coordinates with law enforcement and assists victims with medical care and documentation. Cases requiring judicial action are referred for legal representation and trial proceedings.
The Coalition also emphasized that ending new HIV infections nationwide requires an inclusive public health strategy that reaches vulnerable populations without exception.
As part of its health outreach, the group provides sexual health education and preventive resources. Komeh noted that bisexual individuals represent a key demographic requiring targeted intervention due to diverse partner networks.
Komeh urged the public to approach sexuality and human rights issues with greater understanding, reiterating the necessity of shielding individuals from violence and social exclusion.
Headquartered in Freetown, the organization operates with peer paralegals supervised under national regulatory frameworks. Individuals seeking support regarding human rights violations are encouraged to contact the office for assistance and legal referral.
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