Lesbians' experiences of human rights violations, a global perspective

grantor: University of TorontoSince the passage of the United Nations (U.N.) Declaration on Human Rights (UNDHR) in 1948, the U.N. in tandem with member-nations have refused to acknowledge that lesbians are owed the same rights and protections accorded other individuals and groups within society. While many countries now have their own 'Charter of Rights and Freedoms' premised upon the U.N. Declaration lesbians continue to experience discrimination, intimidation and violence because of their sexual orientation. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore lesbians' experiences of human rights violations with selected human rights workers and to learn whether they advocate on behalf of lesbians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five human rights workers. The results suggest that for the most part, this group of human rights workers are aware of and do advocate on behalf of lesbians who are experiencing human rights violations. Without minimizing the work that still needs doing and the obstacles that continue to exist, these workers believe that rights protections for lesbians are moving forward and in time lesbians will be included in all discussions concerning human rights. This study increases our knowledge and understanding of issues specific to lesbians. It also provides information of benefit to other human rights workers, host governments and the international community.M.A