The year 2022 was marked by a “sharp rise” in violence against LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) people in Europe and Central Asia, warns the NGO ILGA-Europe in its annual report published on Monday.
This coalition of more than 600 organizations in 54 countries in Europe and Central Asia says that “2022 was the most violent year for LGBTI people across the region in more than a decade (…) as hate speech became widespread”.
The NGO also notes an “increase (in number) in reported suicides” by LGBTI people, citing “that of a young couple in Armenia who were victims of harassment” and “three trans women in Italy and one in Moldova.” “.
“In the last twelve months, not only has violence against LGBTI people increased sharply, but also the intensity of this violence,” fears ILGA-Europe in the 12th edition of its annual report.
She recalls the attack that took place near a gay bar in Oslo in June, when a man opened fire on the sidelines of a Pride celebration, killing two and wounding 21. As well as the one that left two dead and one injured in October in front of a bar in Bratislava frequented by the LGBTI community.
In Azerbaijan, an LGBTI activist, Avaz Hafizli, was mutilated and killed by his cousin in February 2022, and in Ireland, two homophobic killings took place in the coastal town of Sligo in April, ILGA-Europe underlines.
According to the NGO, physical or verbal anti-LGBTI attacks are increasing in France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States to kingdom.
However, ILGA-Europe notes that convictions for the perpetrators of these crimes are more numerous, particularly in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, North Macedonia, Spain and Ukraine.
“At ILGA-Europe we have been saying for years that hate speech in all its forms leads to physical violence,” commented Evelyne Paradis, Director of ILGA’s European branch.
“Across Europe, many political figures have reacted with horror to the killings of LGBTI people this year and while shows of solidarity are still needed, the root of the problem is not being addressed,” she added, urging “progressive leaders to do so.” do find effective ways to combat hate speech.”