LGBTIQ Rights Programme

About the Programme

Discrimination against LGBTIQ people undermines the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. RISE is committed to advocating for the protection of LGBTIQ people from violence and discrimination while promoting their political participation and leadership in Malawi.

The Malawi Context

In Malawi, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people face both common and distinct challenges. Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and discriminatory attitudes remain deeply embedded. Laws against cross-dressing are used to punish transgender people, exposing LGBTQ individuals to risks of arrest, blackmail, extortion, stigma, and discrimination.

Our Advocacy

RISE advocates for core legal obligations to protect LGBTIQ people in Malawi. Our advocacy engages state and non-state actors to ensure that protecting LGBTIQ people does not require new human rights laws—Malawi is already legally required to safeguard these rights under international human rights law.

Core Legal Obligations We Advocate For:

• Protect LGBTIQ people from violence
• Prevent the torture and ill treatment of LGBTIQ people
• Repeal laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations and transgender people
• Prohibit and address discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics
• Safeguard freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly

LGBTIQ Political Participation

This program supports LGBTIQ people's right to equality through strengthening democratic institutions and practices. We follow three main avenues to equality and inclusion:

1. Supporting governments, parliamentarians, and decision makers to enhance legislation and policy
2. Building collaborative relationships between political decision-makers and non-government actors
3. Encouraging improved protection of human rights and elimination of discrimination

Community Equality Project (CEP)

Under CEP, RISE engaged stakeholders on an evidence-based approach to LGBTIQ issues. Our contributions included:

• National perceptions survey across all 25 districts of Malawi (first ever conducted)
• Focus group discussions with LGBTIQ community members
• Policy and law gap analysis by multi-disciplinary practitioners
• Roundtable meetings with CSOs, universities, researchers, and media
• Social media outreach in collaboration with advocacy partners

Our Impact

Human Rights Defender Protection

Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) supporting LGBTIQ+ rights in Malawi operate in a hostile environment, facing severe risks due to the criminalization of same-sex conduct and entrenched social, religious, and political opposition. These risks include physical and sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and police harassment, severe social backlash, legal challenges, professional sabotage, psychological trauma, and online harassment.

At Liberty Access Wish (At LAW) Project

RISE supports HRDs in danger through the At LAW project, which provides direct protection and support services:

African Commission Engagement

RISE actively engages with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) to protect HRDs at the continental level. Our participation includes submitting formal complaints, providing shadow reports during state reviews, and advocating for observer status to influence resolutions and participate in the NGO Forum.