U.S. policies and practices subjecting LGBTQ asylum seekers to human rights violations, arbitrary detention in often life-threatening conditions, and denials of and delays in refugee protection

Submission of Human Rights First to the United Nations Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

This submission has been produced on the basis of Human Rights First’s years of experience in representing, researching, and advocating for refugees seeking humanitarian protection in the United States. The submission provides relevant excerpts of recent Human Rights First reports and other research on U.S. policies and practices that endanger the lives and safety of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) persons seeking refugee protection, subject LGBTQ asylum seekers to arbitrary detention in life-threatening conditions, and deny asylum to LGBTQ refugees in violation of U.S. law and international treaty obligations. The following sections address: (Section I); (Section II); (Section III); (Section IV); (Section V); (Section VI); (Section VII); and (Section VIII).