Attention to the human rights of the LGTBIQ+ community in the region forum report organized by the US Embassy Guatemala, with support from FANCAP

In Panama, the LGBTIQ population demands recognition, equality, and non-discrimination in areas such as education, health, and employment. The Ombudsman's Office in Panama is an autonomous national human rights institution that is in constant communication with civil society and organizations that protect the rights of the LGBTIQ population. In Honduras, the National Commissioner for Human Rights, Juan Wilfredo Castellanos, highlighted the need for greater recognition and protection of the rights of the LGBTIQ community. He emphasized the importance of addressing the high levels of violence and discrimination faced by LGBTIQ individuals in Honduras. Castellanos also noted that the Ombudsman's Office in Honduras has been working to promote the rights of the LGBTIQ community through education and awareness-raising initiatives. In El Salvador, the Ombudsman for the Defense of Human Rights, Apolonio Tobar, discussed the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ community in accessing healthcare and education. He noted that the Ombudsman's Office in El Salvador has been working to promote the rights of the LGBTIQ community through the development of policies and guidelines that address their specific needs. In Guatemala, the Human Rights Ombudsman, Jordán Rodas, emphasized the importance of addressing the high levels of violence and discrimination faced by LGBTIQ individuals in Guatemala. He noted that the Ombudsman's Office in Guatemala has been working to promote the rights of the LGBTIQ community through education and awareness-raising initiatives, as well as through the development of policies and guidelines that address their specific needs. The forum also highlighted the need for greater collaboration and coordination between governments, civil society, and international organizations to promote the rights of the LGBTIQ community in Central America. The participants emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ individuals, including social and cultural norms, as well as institutional and structural barriers. The Sustainable HIV Response in Central America project, implemented by FANCAP, has been working to promote the rights of the LGBTIQ community through the development of training programs and capacity-building initiatives for Ombudsmen's Offices in the region. The project has also been working to promote the rights of people living with HIV and the LGBTIQ population through the development of policies and guidelines that address their specific needs. The forum was attended by 102 participants from different countries in Central America, including representatives from Ombudsmen's Offices, civil society organizations, and international organizations. The event was moderated by Daniel Villatoro, Representative of the Visibles Organization, and was held in a virtual format to facilitate participation from a wide range of stakeholders.