The CFNHRI is looking to gain formal status to hold side events at the CHOGM meeting April 2018 and is working closely with our members, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to attain that status and one potential event we can organise is around LGBTI issues across the Commonwealth. So is the glass half-full or half empty? I start from a glass half full perspective and what gives me cause for optimism is the courage and bravery I see from the LGBTI activists and organisations in Africa and the increasing willingness of many African NHRIs and civic organisations to engage in the fight for equal rights and decriminalisation of same sex activity and I would pay tribute to all those human rights defenders involved in this work. Thank you.
The CFNHRI is looking to gain formal status to hold side events at the CHOGM meeting April 2018 and is working closely with our members, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to attain that status and one potential event we can organise is around LGBTI issues across the Commonwealth. So is the glass half-full or half empty? I start from a glass half full perspective and what gives me cause for optimism is the courage and bravery I see from the LGBTI activists and organisations in Africa and the increasing willingness of many African NHRIs and civic organisations to engage in the fight for equal rights and decriminalisation of same sex activity and I would pay tribute to all those human rights defenders involved in this work. Thank you.
SpeechonBeingGayinAfrica040417.docx