Struggles and Triumphs: A close look at sexual and gender minority rights in Benin
Posted: 28 November, 2023 Filed under: Lakshita Kanhiya | Tags: Benin, bodily harm, discrimination, Freedom House Report, fundamental rights, gender minorities, harassment, human rights, national unity, non-discrimination, same-sex relations, sexual and gender minority rights, sexual assault, social stigma, violence, Working Group on Benin’s Universal Periodic Review Leave a comment
Author: Lakshita Kanhiya
Human Rights Advocate
The Republic of Benin has long been considered a beacon of democracy in West Africa.[1] However, between 2016 to 2021, the country witnessed a concerning regression in human rights, as noted in the Freedom House Report of 2021.[2] Benin transitioned from a ‘free state’ to a ‘partly free state’ during this period, in terms of its democratic credentials. Despite this regression, Benin has taken significant strides in protecting the rights of sexual and gender minorities,[3] marking a notable contrast to its neighbouring countries namely Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
AfricLaw 