Challenging Torture and Impunity for Torture Against LGBTIQ+ Persons

Across the world, LGBTIQ+ persons are subjected to torture and ill-treatment because of who they are or who they are perceived to be. Abuse occurs in police custody, prisons, healthcare settings, public assemblies, and communities. It includes arbitrary arrests, ‘corrective’ rape and other sexual abuse, forced medical examinations, beatings, and humiliation – often carried out by State authorities or by non-state actors with impunity.

When motivated by discrimination, these acts can constitute torture under international law. Yet they are rarely investigated. Discriminatory motives are ignored, survivors face stigma and retaliation, and perpetrators act with near-total impunity.

REDRESS works globally to ensure that torture against LGBTIQ+ persons is recognised for what it is – torture – and that survivors obtain justice and reparation.

Our work has helped transform how international courts recognise torture against LGBTIQ+ persons, translated legal recognition into concrete outcomes to survivors, and strengthened and energised lawyers and organisations around the world.

From legal recognition to real accountability

In 2020, REDRESS and Peruvian partners secured a landmark judgment in the case of Azul Rojas Marín before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Court found Peru responsible for torture, including sexual violence, committed by police officers because of discrimination against Azul’s sexual orientation and gender expression. It was the first judgement by a human rights court recognising discriminatory torture against an LGBTIQ+ person.

The impact went beyond Latin America and legal precedent. The judgment also led to:

A public apology by the Peruvian authorities in 2022, the first of its kind to an LGBTIQ+ person in Latin America.
Compensation for the harm suffered by Azul.
The criminal conviction of those responsible for her torture in 2025, a rare instance of accountability.

Reflecting on the apology ceremony, Azul described it as “something very fulfilling for me”, and emphasised that continued action is needed:

“I want to take advantage of this ceremony to urge the representatives here to continue defending human rights. I want to give special thanks to the whole team that continues to accompany me in this struggle.”

Watch a video about Azul’s story

Advancing strategic cases worldwide

REDRESS also provides expert legal advice and strategic support in complex and sensitive cases across regions, ensuring survivor-centred approaches that can generate systemic change. Our current work includes:

Supporting national partners in an African country in pursuing an investigation and accountability for the rape of a lesbian woman.
Advising on a potential claim concerning discriminatory ill-treatment/torture and the denial of essential HIV medication to a gay man who was detained in a Gulf State.
Contributing to a regional roadmap to advance litigation on torture against LGBTIQ+ persons in Africa.
Supporting the implementation of the decision in Azul Rojas Marín’s case in Peru.

Movement Building and Advocacy

Legal change also requires research, practical tools, concerted advocacy, and strong movements. Therefore, REDRESS has:

Published a groundbreaking report, Unequal Justice, documenting systemic barriers to accountability in Africa.
Developed a training module on how violence against LGBTIQ+ persons can amount to torture.
Produced a briefing paper and investigative protocol to guide authorities in properly identifying and investigating discriminatory torture.
Organised regional roundtables and national workshops to connect lawyers and activists and strengthen litigation and advocacy strategies – see for example our roundtable in South Africa.
Conducted advocacy before UN bodies (for example in relation to Malawi and South Africa) and supported national communications campaigns.
Provided financial and strategic support to organisations in Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, and Spain advancing justice for LGBTIQ+ survivors.
Supported emerging anti-torture champions through our Innovative Lawyer Awards. See, for example, interview with Kenyan lawyer, Masafu Okwara.

Read about our project Justice for Torture against LGBTIQ+ Persons in Africa.

If you would like to become more involved or learn more about our work, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].