Human Rights Watch urges Senegal to halt LGBT crackdown before Youth Olympics

Human Rights Watch called on Senegal on October 12 to end its crackdown on LGBT people ahead of the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, citing concerns about discrimination and human rights.

The organisation's new report says fear of arrest and stigma have driven people into hiding and discouraged access to HIV testing and treatment. It also describes barriers to obtaining legal representation. These are the rights group's findings.

Senegal amended its law in March, raising the maximum prison term for consensual same-sex relations to 10 years and criminalising their promotion or financial support. HRW said 71 men were referred to trial in August.

Researcher Larissa Kojoué questioned whether the crackdown was compatible with international law and the Olympic Charter's nondiscrimination principles. The report does not announce a ruling by a court or sanctions by Olympic authorities.

Dakar will host the Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13. The organisers expect about 2,700 athletes at the first Olympic sporting event held in Africa.