Coalition of Human Rights finds Ghana’s LGBTQ+ Bill at odds with international agreements
They also noted that the continuance of the Bill may set grounds for increased violence and targeted attacks on people perceived to be LGBTQ+.
The Coalition of Human Rights have responded in a memorandum to Parliament, stating that the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, remains inconsistent with Ghana’s international obligations.
The memo for instance states the Bill is incompatible with Articles;
1 and 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
1 (3) of the United Nations Charter
2, 3, and 26 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
2 (2) and 4 the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
2 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC)
1(1) and 7 of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families
2, 3, 18 (3)-(4), 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights
“Ghana has obligations under international and regional human rights law to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights to all persons in its jurisdiction. Ghana is, therefore, obligated to ensure that the provisions of any measure which may become law is in consonance with Ghana’s binding obligations under international law, including regional human rights treaties,” it said.
They also noted that the continuance of the Bill may set grounds for increased violence and targeted attacks on people perceived to be LGBTQ+.
The group, numbering 10 consist of the African Centre for International Law and Accountability; Center for Democratic Development, Ghana; Amnesty International, Ghana; Alliance for Equality and Diversity; Centre for Popular Education and Human Rights, Ghana; Human Rights Advocacy Centre; HumanRights4All; LGBT+ Rights Ghana; POS Foundation and Ghana HIV & AIDS Network (GHANET).
Read the full memo below:
