Step up! Stronger LGBT movements for equality in Western Balkans
In January 2010, ILGA-Europe started Step up! with the donor organization Open Society Institute.
The project is planned to finish in 2013.
The project in short…
Step up! is building on the foundation and knowledge learned of the ILGA-Europe project called ‘Take Action! United against LGBT discrimination in Eastern Europe’ that was carried out between 2006 and 2009.
ILGA-Europe initiated the project due to a need of stronger LGBT organisations in the Western Balkans. A stronger LGBT movement on a national level in this region is vital to fight the increasing discrimination towards LGBT people in all parts of society.
The main goal for the project is to improve the legal and social situation of LGBT people in the Western Balkans.
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Why...
Hate crimes and hate speech
Almost every public appearance of an organization and/or an individual activist in Western Balkan countries working on LGBT issues is followed by threats or actual violent attacks. There are reports of individual cases of violence, when the victims are targeted and attacked on the bases of their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. However, most cases go unreported, mainly due to the lack of trust in police and the fear of being victimized. Read more about ILGA-Europe's work on hate crime here.
Violation of the right to freedom of assembly
Although freedom of assembly is guaranteed by law in all Western Balkan countries, this right is either not excised due to the existing climate of hostility in the countries or is denied by the local authorities. When LGBT people do take actions and try to exercise their fundamental rights of assembly and association, these attempts are met with hate speeches and violence. Read more about Freedom of Assembly here.
Discrimination
Indeed, discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression is an everyday reality for LGBT people in all Western Balkan countries. Homophobic statements by the leading politicians and health care professionals further exacerbate and legitimize the widespread discrimination against LGBT people.
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Who…
Main partners:
Starting partners:
- Aleanca (Albania)
- Equilibrium (BiH)
- Juventas (Montenegro)
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What…
The project consists of two main components:
| Capacity building |
Organisational management and leadership skills |
| Documentation, reporting and advocacy skills |
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| Evidence Documentation and Advocacy |
Documentation, monitoring and evidence based |
| Monitoring and advocacy at the European level. |
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Activities…
National level:
- Documentation and monitoring of the human rights violations of LGBT people and production of reports on the documented evidence
- Advocacy and awareness raising campaigns
- Public actions, peaceful demonstrations if relevant and possible
- Legal counselling for LGBT people, support in litigations when relevant
- Awareness raising and educational sessions
European level:
- Study visits to European institutions
- Lobby meetings with European policy makers
- Trainings
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If you have any questions about the project, then write to Lilit Poghosyan, Programmes & Policy Officer.
