América Editorial, Sep 11 (EFE).- Homicidal violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTI) people in Latin America and the Caribbean has experienced a worrying increase of 5.5% in 2023, according to a regional report by the Red Sin Violencia (No Violence Network) released on Wednesday.
Although some countries in the region have seen overall reductions in their homicide rates, the number of lethal attacks against LGBTI people remains at alarming levels, with serious increases in Ecuador, Peru and Guatemala, details the document from this NGO, which brings together ten organizations that work to defend the rights of LGBTI people in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and the Dominican Republic.
In 2023, a total of 364 LGBTI people were murdered in ten countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, representing a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year. The largest increases were recorded in Ecuador, with an alarming 144.4% increase in homicides of LGBTI people compared to 2022, followed by Peru (63.6%) and Guatemala (34.5%).
The increase in these countries contrasts with the declines recorded in places such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic, which saw a reduction in their figures, although there is not enough information to determine whether this data is due to a real decrease in violence or to a greater invisibility of the cases.
Context of violence in the region
Latin America has maintained high rates of widespread violence over the past decade, and organized crime is identified as one of the main culprits of these homicides.
In 2023, the homicide rate in some countries fell considerably, such as in El Salvador, Honduras, Peru and the Dominican Republic, while in others, such as Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico, the decline was more modest.
However, violence continues to particularly affect LGBTI people, who face greater vulnerability due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Organized crime, the proliferation of firearms and weak justice systems in several countries are factors contributing to widespread violence in the region. In the case of LGBTI people, this is exacerbated by prejudice and discrimination, which continue to be fueled by hate speech and regressive policies in some countries, the Red Sin Violencia report said.
Trans women, the main victims
According to the report, trans women continue to be the main victims of homicidal violence in the region. In countries such as Ecuador, Peru and Mexico, trans women accounted for a significant proportion of victims.
In Ecuador, for example, 81.8% of LGBTI people murdered in 2023 were trans women. This violence is linked, in many cases, to the forced participation of these women in criminal activities, as well as to their socioeconomic vulnerability, which makes them easy targets for extortion and murder.
In contrast, cisgender gay and bisexual men were the main victims in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia. These cases are often related to robberies and attacks in homes, suggesting that attackers select their victims based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, combining prejudice with economic interest.
Effects on democracy and political participation
Violence against LGBTI people not only affects them at an individual level, but also has a collective impact, dismantling community ties and limiting their political and social participation.
In several countries in the region, LGBTI human rights defenders face threats and attacks, which discourages the defense of rights and the construction of a participatory democracy.
In Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, the lack of protective measures has led to a climate of constant risk to the lives and integrity of LGBTI human rights defenders.
The report by the Network Without Violence also shows that electoral periods in the region have intensified hate speech and discrimination, leaving a social message that reinforces the exclusion of these people.
“Iron fist” policies and militarization
The adoption of “iron fist” policies by some governments, such as those of El Salvador, Ecuador and Honduras, also represents a risk to the human rights of LGBTI people. These policies, which have been promoted as quick solutions to insecurity, have led to an increase in arbitrary detentions and abuses of power, thus generating an environment of widespread fear and facilitating impunity.
Despite the decline in overall homicide rates in countries such as El Salvador, the report questions the veracity of official figures and warns of the consequences of the militarization of public security, which could exacerbate violence against LGBTI people and other vulnerable populations.
The impact of religious fundamentalisms
In some countries, religious fundamentalist groups have taken advantage of the social and political crisis to further stigmatize LGBTI people.
In Honduras, these groups have exploited the situation to strengthen their influence and promote an anti-gender agenda, while in Peru, they have increased their presence in Congress, promoting alliances with far-right sectors that oppose the recognition of LGBT rights.
Homicidal violence against LGBTI people in Latin America and the Caribbean remains a serious concern, and despite some progress in the region, prejudice, discrimination and impunity continue to fuel this violence, which affects both individuals and groups, the report concludes.
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2024-09-12 20:44:43
Crime and violence in Latin America
Table of Contents
The Alarming Rise of Homicidal Violence Against LGBTI People in Latin America and the Caribbean
The latest report by the Red Sin Violencia (No Violence Network) has revealed a disturbing trend in Latin America and the Caribbean: a 5.5% increase in homicidal violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTI) people in 2023. This marks a worrying shift in a region already plagued by high rates of violence, with LGBTI individuals facing even greater vulnerability due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Context of Violence in the Region
Latin America has struggled with widespread violence over the past decade, with organized crime identified as a primary culprit. While some countries have seen a decline in overall homicide rates, the number of lethal attacks against LGBTI people remains alarmingly high. In fact, the report highlights that violence against LGBTI individuals is often exacerbated by prejudice and discrimination, fueled by hate speech and regressive policies in some countries [[3]].
Trans Women: The Main Victims
Trans women continue to be the primary targets of homicidal violence in the region. In countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico, trans women accounted for a significant proportion of victims. The report notes that this violence is often linked to forced participation in criminal activities and socioeconomic vulnerability, making them easy targets for extortion and murder [[3]].
In contrast, cisgender gay and bisexual men were the main victims in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Colombia. These cases are often related to robberies and attacks in homes, suggesting that attackers select their victims based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, combining prejudice with economic interest [[3]].
Effects on Democracy and Political Participation
The violence against LGBTI people not only affects them at an individual level but also has a collective impact, dismantling community ties and limiting their political and social participation. LGBTI human rights defenders face threats and attacks, discouraging the defense of rights and the construction of a participatory democracy [[3]].
In countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, the lack of protective measures has led to a climate of constant risk to the lives and integrity of LGBTI human rights defenders. The report also notes that electoral periods in the region have intensified hate speech and discrimination, leaving a social message that reinforces the exclusion of these individuals [[3]].
“Iron Fist” Policies and Militarization
The adoption of “iron fist” policies by some governments, such as those in El Salvador, Ecuador, and Honduras, also represents a risk to the human rights of LGBTI people. These policies, promoted as quick solutions to insecurity, have led to an increase in arbitrary detentions and abuses of power, generating an environment of widespread fear and facilitating impunity [[3]].
Despite the decline in overall homicide rates in countries like El Salvador, the report questions the veracity of official figures and warns of the consequences of the militarization of public security, which could exacerbate violence against LGBTI people and other vulnerable populations [[3]].
The Impact of Religious Fundamentalisms
In some countries, religious fundamentalist groups have taken advantage of the social and political crisis to further stigmatize LGBTI people. In Honduras, these groups have exploited the situation to strengthen their influence and promote an anti-gender agenda [[3]].
Regional Analysis and Solutions
The report highlights the need for a regional approach to address the alarming rise of violence against LGBTI people. This includes strengthening justice systems, addressing prejudice and discrimination, and promoting policies that protect the human rights of LGBTI individuals [[3]].
the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean is dire, with LGBTI people facing unprecedented levels of violence and discrimination. It is essential that governments, civil society, and international organizations come together to address this crisis and ensure that the human rights of LGBTI individuals are protected and respected.
References:
<a href="https://www.undp
The Alarming Rise of Homicidal Violence Against LGBTI People in Latin America and the Caribbean
A recent report by the Red Sin Violencia (No Violence Network) has revealed a disturbing 5.5% increase in homicidal violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTI) people in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023. This alarming trend is particularly concerning in countries such as Ecuador, Peru, and Guatemala, where the number of LGBTI people murdered has skyrocketed.
Despite some countries in the region experiencing overall reductions in homicide rates, the violence against LGBTI individuals remains at alarming levels. Organized crime, the proliferation of firearms, and weak justice systems are major contributors to the widespread violence in the region, which is further exacerbated by prejudice and discrimination against LGBTI people [3[3].
The report highlights that trans women are the main victims of homicidal violence in the region, with Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico accounting for a significant proportion of victims. In Ecuador, for example, 81.8% of LGBTI people murdered in 2023 were trans women, who are often forced to participate in criminal activities and are vulnerable to extortion and murder due to their socioeconomic situation [3[3].
Cisgender gay and bisexual men are also victims of violence, particularly in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Colombia, where they are often targeted in robberies and home attacks. These cases are often linked to prejudice and discrimination, with attackers selecting their victims based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, combining prejudice with economic interest.
The violence against LGBTI people has a profound impact on democracy and political participation in the region. It not only affects individuals but also dismantles community ties and limits their political and social participation. LGBTI human rights defenders face threats and attacks, discouraging the defense of rights and the construction of a participatory democracy [2[2].
The report also highlights the risks posed by “iron fist” policies and militarization in some countries, which can lead to an increase in arbitrary detentions and abuses of power, generating an environment of widespread fear and facilitating impunity. Furthermore, religious fundamentalist groups have taken advantage of the social and political crisis in some countries, promoting hate speech and discrimination against LGBTI people [3[3].
the alarming rise of homicidal violence against LGBTI people in Latin America and the Caribbean is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. It is essential to address the root causes of this violence, including organized crime, weak justice systems, and prejudice and discrimination. Governments, civil society organizations, and international institutions must work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTI people, ensuring their human rights and dignity are protected.
References:
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