This Seminar is a key part of a global process to consult with all regions of the world on ending violence, other violations and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Other regions held these Seminars between January and April 2013, enabling states, civil society and National Human Rights Institutions to engage in focused dialogue on these issues. The outcomes documents of each of these Regional Seminars are key in developing a shared global agenda to move forward the process of addressing these violations and discrimination.

The African continent, a year later, has STILL not yet held its Regional Seminar. South Africa, on behalf of the Africa Region had committed to hosting this Regional Seminar. As Civil Society Organisations in South Africa, we have repeatedly approached the Directorate for International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for requesting that they set a date and fulfil their commitment. Our efforts have been met with silence and more empty promises. The time has come to stop requesting, and to start demanding accountability from the South African government.

SIGN THIS PETITION to demand that our governments act accountable to commitments made to African women and men on addressing violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Demand accountability!