Gender and Sexual Diversity

All of our free expression rights and realities are gendered, reflecting global themes of inequality and intolerance for diversity.

825 articles

War crimes, draconian sentencing, and defending LGBTQI+ civic space

September 2022 in Europe and Central Asia: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Cathal Sheerin, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

Iran: Security forces step up arrests of journalists as anti-state protests spread

Authorities must drop repressive measures against journalists and restore internet access that is vital to keeping the public informed.

Iran: Justice for Mahsa Jhina Amini

Tragic death of 22-year old woman highlights Iran’s deepening crisis of impunity.

Iran: Death sentences for LGBTQI+ activists must be immediately overturned

Shocking sentences highlight Iranian authorities’ alarming escalation of persecuting the country’s LGBTQI+ community.

In MENA: Netflix content censored for violating “social and religious values”

Global content platforms operating in authoritarian countries throughout the region should prioritize free expression over financial profits.

ACHPR passes landmark resolution to curb online gender based violence

While celebrating the ACHPR’s resolution on digital violence against women, the MFWA demands concrete actions by African governments that will ensure improved safety for women online.

Journalists face new fears after Roe v. Wade overturn

Reporters covering abortion in the United States are wary of online harassment and the threat of physical violence after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion.

Targeting LGBTQI+ rights is part of the authoritarian playbook

In the last three decades, protections for LGBTQI+ rights have advanced rapidly in many countries and regions. But populist authoritarianism poses a significant threat to this progress because abolishing sexual freedom is often at the heart of repressive political projects.

Turkey: Prosecutor seeks up to three years in prison for pop singer Gülşen

Singer Gülşen was arrested on 25 August in relation to a joke she made in April about religious schools. She was released to house arrest on 29 August.

Cybercrimes and cyberspies in Saudi Arabia, silencing Palestinian civic space, Sudan’s journalists form historic union

August 2022 in Middle East and North Africa: A free expression roundup produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Naseem Tarawnah, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

Women’s rights crisis in Afghanistan, love triumphs over fear in Singapore, and more

August 2022 in Asia-Pacific: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s regional editor Mong Palatino, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

President Biden’s visit has a negative impact on human rights movement in MENA region

It’s time to end the unconditional support given to oppressive governments in the MENA region.

A giant leap for womankind, but widespread radio silence as broadcast sector comes under attack

August 2022 in Africa: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s regional editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

UN Cybercrime Treaty: EFF calls for limits and safeguards

“We’ve seen vaguely worded international cybercrime laws misused to violate freedom of expression, target dissenters, and put them in danger. It’s paramount that the proposed treaty does not invite abuse and overreach by countries by obligating states to cooperate in open-ended investigations of ill-defined criminal matters” – EFF

Two years of a hostile environment, six months of war

August 2022 in Europe and Central Asia: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Cathal Sheerin, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

Saudi authorities must release women’s rights activist Salma al-Shehab

IFEX joins rights groups in strongly condemning the unlawful sentencing of al-Shehab, which marks a further escalation in the kingdom’s crackdown on free speech.