On 31 March Global Centre Executive Director Ms. Savita Pawnday delivered remarks during the launch of Protection Approaches’ new policy paper entitled “Queering Atrocity Prevention.” From the Holocaust to the anti-gay purges in Chechnya, LGBTQI+ communities have been deliberately targeted by widespread, systematic campaigns that can be described as atrocity crimes. Yet, the unique risks and vulnerabilities that LGBTQI+ communities face too often remain missing from atrocity prevention and approaches to reducing conflict and instability. This leaves LGBTQI+ communities excluded and at risk.

The discussion also featured remarks from the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Mr. Victor Madrigal-Borloz, co-Executive Director of Protection Approaches, Ms. Kate Ferguson, and Protection Approaches’ Queering Atrocity Prevention Research Fellow, Dr. Jess Gifkins.