ILGA World calls for a permanent ceasefire and peace plan in Gaza and in conflict zones across the world

In these turbulent and horrific times, ILGA World is compelled to raise our voice and reiterate a united call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a comprehensive peace plan for Palestine, and an end to the over 110 armed conflicts and wars currently active across the world – including in Congo, Sudan, Syria, Haiti, Ukraine, and Yemen to name but a few.

The violence we see nowadays which is frequently connected to historic and present wrongs in global politics not only harms communities but also challenges the values of peace, equality, freedom and justice that the LGBTIacronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people. Although this is not the acronym available to describe people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, it is the most commonly used in United Nations spaces and advocacy. More movement works to support worldwide.

At ILGA World we firmly believe in the fundamental dignity and worth of every individual regardless of any part of their identity or background. We are particularly concerned with the ongoing attacks waged against Palestine – the culmination of decades of violence which has brought immense suffering, loss of life, and destruction in the whole region. The situation in Rafah and across Gaza has deteriorated to a point where there is no longer any safe place for civilians. As the World Food Programme reports, adults and children are beyond exhausted from constant displacement, hunger, and fear. Palestinian civilian deaths, suffering, and destruction have reached unbearable levels in Rafah, as stated by the UN Human Rights Chief.

As a human rights organisation, we are concerned about the violations of international law, including the disregard of the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and Security Council resolutions. We condemn any attack on systems that uphold international human rights and humanitarian laws and standards. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in particular needs to be protected and supported by states. Double standards in how its rulings are received and upheld will diminish its ability to hold war criminals to account now and in the future. These systems are fundamental to achieving accountability and international justice, including for LGBTI persons worldwide.

While urgently and immediately calling for attention on Gaza and Rafah,  we must not forget the numerous other conflicts and wars that plague the world, most of which barely make the headlines. Sudan is currently experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises globally: more than 10 million people have been displaced because of the war, and it is estimated that 2.5 million could die of starvation by September 2024. In Yemen, 21.6 million people need aid – including 11 million children. In the war in Ukraine, fighting and air strikes have inflicted over 30,000 civilian casualties, 23,000 are reported missing, while 3.7 million people are internally displaced. Depriving civilians of food, water, and safety must not be a tool of war and is a crime – wherever this occurs. We unequivocally condemn gender-based violence as a weapon of war, and any harm committed against persons in vulnerable positions – be they women, children, persons with disabilities, racialised or ethnic groups, LGBTI people, and more.

As the global federation of LGBTI organisations, we recognise our LGBTI community members in Gaza: the criminalisation and violence they face adds to the threat of famine and bombs that they are now experiencing every day together with the rest of the population.
ILGA World’s commitment to LGBTI rights is rooted in a broader commitment to universal human rights, justice, and the dignity of all individuals. The promotion of LGBTI rights should not be used to obscure, justify, or legitimise any actions that contravene international human rights laws.

We seek a future that includes security, dignity, and human rights for all. For Gaza, this must begin with an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and political prisoners on both sides, and the commencement of negotiations to ensure long-lasting peace for all. The mechanisms to achieve this are already in place: adherence to international human rights lawa legal system laying down obligations which States are bound to respect. By becoming parties to international treaties, States assume obligations and duties under international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights – including by putting into place domestic measures and legislation. Where domestic legal proceedings fail to address human rights abuses, mechanisms and procedures for individual complaints or communications are available at the regional and international levels to help ensure that international human rights standards are respected. More and following multilateral institutions’ decisions – these must serve as the guiding principles for a world genuinely committed to reconciliation and peace. We must continue to push for cooperation among nations, peaceful negotiations, and the implementation of policies aimed at upholding international norms and standards, including those related to human rights and conflict resolution.

Read more: Gaza: an immediate ceasefire is needed! (ILGA World statement, October 2023)