Human Rights Watch (HRW) says a sweeping campaign of arrests and detention against LGBTQ+ people in Senegal has forced many to go into hiding as authorities step up enforcement of laws criminalising same-sex relations.
According to a report by HRW, which cites figures from the HIV Justice Network, at least 320 individuals have been detained on accusations of “acts against nature” since February. The organisation also reports that at least 84 people have been charged with “voluntary HIV transmission” solely on the basis of their HIV status.
The report documents allegations of forced HIV testing of detainees and significant obstacles to securing legal representation. HRW says these practices, together with intensified policing following changes that toughened the law criminalising homosexuality, have created an atmosphere of fear among LGBTQ+ people and driven many into hiding to avoid arrest.
Human rights advocates warn that the use of criminal charges based on HIV status can compound stigma and deter people from seeking health services. The HRW report underscores concerns about due process, access to counsel and the protection of health and human rights for those targeted.
The findings add to growing international scrutiny of Senegal’s approach to sexual minorities. Rights groups and legal observers say transparency around arrests, legal procedures and the treatment of detainees will be crucial to assess compliance with national and international obligations. HRW’s report calls attention to the immediate impacts on individuals and communities facing criminalisation and exclusion.
Senegalese authorities did not respond to the report’s findings in the HRW summary. The organisation’s documentation aims to inform further monitoring and advocacy on the treatment of LGBTQ+ people and the intersection of criminal law and public health in the country.