Nobody should be forced to flee their home for being who they are or loving who they love.
But LGBTIQ+ persons may be forced to seek refugee status because they fear being persecuted based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and/or sex characteristics.
At UNHCR, we work to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless and internally displaced people.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ+) persons can face discrimination, persecution and violence, sometimes on a daily basis. In certain countries, same-sex relationships are criminalized – sometimes punishable by death. Many LGBTIQ+ persons have no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere. But even in countries of asylum, they can face stigma and abuse.
If you need protection or assistance, please consult our UNHCR Help website
In recent decades, the number of LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers has risen, with most qualifying as "members of a particular social group" under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines the term ‘refugee,’ outlines their rights and sets out the legal obligations of States to protect them.
UNHCR works to try to protect all LGBTIQ+ refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people and works with partners to provide inclusive services, protect their rights and identify safe options.
A message from UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi
Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ people in forced displacement
The Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ people in forced displacement was organized by UNHCR and the United Nations Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Held virtually over the course of 3 weeks in June 2021, it convened more than 500 people from around the world, including representatives from governments, civil society and the private sector and LGBTIQ+ people who have experienced displacement. Together they discussed experiences, policies and programmes that have worked as well as ways to implement solutions.
Read more:
- Discussion Paper (2021 Global Roundtable LGBTIQ+ Persons in Forced Displacement and Statelessness: Protection and Solutions)
- Summary Conclusions (2021 Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ People in Forced Displacement)
You can learn about UNHCR priorities in follow up to the Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTQ+ People in Forced Displacement here.
Inspiring stories
Get to know Muhammad Adeel Iqbal, Maritza, Amani and other LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers, who left behind their homes to find the freedom to be who they truly are.
Reports and resources
- List of all available UNHCR Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability reports
- Find a comprehensive list of documents related to sexual orientation and gender identity here.
- Tip sheet on applying the UNHCR age, gender and diversity policy to LGBTIQ+ persons
