IOM and UNHCR have released a comprehensive training package on the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants and stateless persons.
The need to ensure that the rights of LGBTI people are respected has recently received increased attention and support from UN agencies, States, and the broader humanitarian and human rights community. However, despite significant progress, discrimination against LGBTI persons persists and their international protection needs often go unmet.
LGBTI persons fleeing persecution face a complex array of challenges and threats at all stages of the displacement cycle. These include discrimination, prejudice, violence, difficulty accessing humanitarian services and barriers to articulating their protection needs during asylum procedures and other interactions with protection and humanitarian actors. UNHCR and IOM are committed to protecting the rights of LGBTI persons of concern, and will continue to take targeted actions to build the capacity of staff and partners to this end. The training package released today is a significant step in that direction.
The training package modules cover a wide variety of topics, including terminology, international law, communication, operational protection, conducting interviews, durable solutions, health and refugee status determination, all with a focus on practical guidance for humanitarian and protection actors around the world. Through a series of field tests undertaken in 2015, IOM and UNHCR have refined these materials to ensure that they are operationally relevant globally.
The training package includes general and module-specific guidance for facilitators, as well as other training aides, to promote the use of these materials in the field. In 2016, UNHCR and IOM will also offer training of trainers.
All modules include a facilitation guide, participant workbook and presentation. These materials can be accessed at the following locations: www.usrap.iom.int/training , http://www.unhcrexchange.org/topics/15810 and https://goo.gl/T7Z9Dy .
