Final Report: HRGP shelters a response to gender-based violence with LGBTIQ+ in Cameroon

The shelters aim to ensure the protection, empowerment, and reintegration of these individuals through various forms of support, including psychological and legal assistance, nutritional and medical care, and socio-professional support. The shelters' process was carried out in four stages: the development of standard documents, setting up the shelters, development of framework documents, and opening the shelters. As of January 2021, eight out of nine shelters were fully operational, with the remaining shelter still in the process of being set up. The shelters' goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTIQ+ individuals, where they can receive support and guidance to transform their lives. From January to April 2021, the HRGP shelters served 46 beneficiaries, with 36 still in the process of transformation. The majority of beneficiaries, 70%, identified as gay, while 14% were transgender, 8% were lesbian, and 8% were bisexual. A survey conducted between February and March 2021 revealed that 100% of beneficiaries considered the shelters to be a quality and welcoming environment, with educational talks being a key aspect of the support provided. Many beneficiaries reported feeling safe and empowered, with one participant stating, "It is because of shelter that I feel safe and can sleep peacefully." The shelters have also provided support for the socio-professional integration of beneficiaries, with 36 individuals receiving National Employment Fund (NEF) codes, which qualify them as job seekers and enable them to access training and targeted job offers. In terms of medical support, 16 beneficiaries have received HIV/STI-related support, with 6 testing positive for HIV and initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART). Additionally, 10 beneficiaries are currently on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The project is also setting up Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) to support the economic autonomy and integration of beneficiaries. The HRGP shelter initiative is part of a broader effort to address human rights issues facing the LGBTIQ+ community in Cameroon. The country's constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including non-discrimination protections, but these rights are not extended to LGBTI individuals. LGBTI people in Cameroon face stigma, violence, and discrimination from their families, communities, and the government. In 2019, 1,380 cases of violence were reported, increasing to 2,031 cases in 2020, with gay men being the most affected. The Continuum of Prevention, Care, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS with Most-at-risk Populations in Cameroon (CHAMP) project, which includes the HRGP shelter initiative, aims to reduce HIV and STI infections and related morbidity and mortality, thereby mitigating the impact of HIV on Cameroon's socio-economic development.