Based on research conducted by the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) and PASSOP, this report validates what LGBTI+ asylum seekers coming to South Africa have been saying for years – it suggests that these individuals are being denied administrative justice, be it due to direct discrimination or procedural errors.
The report analyses 67 refugee status denials written on behalf of 65 applicants who applied for asylum on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI). This is the largest sample of documents ever collected on behalf of LGBTI+ applicants. Our goal in reviewing the sample was to identify trends and potential shortcomings in the adjudication of SOGI- based refugee applications. The report is intended to serve as a resource for researchers, lawyers, service providers and civil society organisations, as well as for LGBTI+ persons seeking protection in South Africa.
Link to report here: https://lrc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/LGBTI-ASYLUM-REPORT-RFS.pdf