A panel of UN experts advised the UN Human Rights Council on serious human rights violations against gay men occurring in Chechnya, a republic which is part of the Russian Federation. In the last few weeks, reports have surfaced of local authorities torturing and killing men perceived to be homosexual. The UN strongly condemned the actions of the Chechen security forces and statements made by officials, urging that Chechens are “living in a climate of fear fueled by homophobic speeches by local authorities.”
The Russian Federation has a history of violating the rights of gay and transgender people and it is likely that the UN’s warnings will be disregarded. The international community must continue to bring attention to the human rights situation in Chechnya and demand Chechen authorities to end the persecution of gay men.