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Countering discrimination against LGBTI young people

Graphic: LGBTI young people take part in the national seminar

Teachers, police, community leaders and Timorese young people have identified a range of strategies to counter discrimination against LGBTI students.

Timorese young people, teachers, police and local leaders have identified a range of practical strategies to counter discrimination and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students at a three-day national seminar, hosted by the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ).

The Minister of Education, Youth and Sport pledged to develop an inclusive policy on school uniforms that would allow students to dress in a way that was most appropriate for them.

Police commanders and community leaders also pledged to strengthen their relationships with LGBTI communities and involve them in their activities.

Teachers who participated in the national seminar proposed that issues relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression be addressed as part of civics education in schools so that all young people can better understand the issues.

All participants noted that a key factor contributing to discrimination and harassment is the lack of clear and accessible information for the community on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

The national seminar, held in Dili from 10-12 September 2018, brought together more than 250 participants. The program was developed by the PDHJ, in partnership with the Coalition for Diversity and Action and UN agenicies.

The APF and UNDP provided support to the PDHJ to hold the workshop and build on the activities it had implemented since participating in our training program on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.


Graphic: The Provedor was joined at the national seminar by police representatives


The APF and UNDP are also supporting other national human rights institutions in the region with targeted projects to:

  • Strengthen the right to health of Fa'afafine & Fa'afatama communities as a key component of the government's response to recommendations made to it through the UN Universal Periodic Review (Samoa)
  • Deepen partnerships with LGBTI communities in regional areas and improve the Commission's delivery of services to LGBTI people (Philippines)
  • Identify key challenges in laws and policies for legal gender recognition of transgender people (Bangladesh)
  • Develop a national plan of action to address the pressing human rights challenges identified by LGBTI communities (Fiji)
  • Advocate for the decriminalisation of same-sex relations and promote implementation of the Commission's guidelines on ethical media reporting of LGBTI issues (Sri Lanka).

Date: 1 November 2018


Image credits

  1. LGBTI young people take part in the national seminar - Provedor for Human Rights and Justice
  2. The Provedor was joined at the national seminar by police representatives - Provedor for Human Rights and Justice