LGBT claimant issues

Resolution number
11
Whereas
  1. The CCR passed a resolution in November 1994 on guidelines and education on sexual orientation for the IRB (Res. 16);
  2. There continues to be a lack of familiarity and sensitivity to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual (LGBT) issues and realities amongst some members of the IRB, RPOs and CIC employees as well as a continuing attitude of homophobia and heterosexism;
  3. Members are using the existence of LGBT organizations in the country of origin as evidence of acceptance in the country of origin;
  4. Members are using tourist promotional materials directed at LGBT North American communities as evidence of acceptance;
  5. Members incorrectly assume that there are no human rights abuses and therefore consider there is evidence of acceptance, in situations where both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are silent on specific countries;
  6. Some members state that claimants will experience no problems if they behave in a discreet manner in their country of origin;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Write to the Chairperson of the IRB requesting the development and implementation of guidelines for sexual orientation claims and that the guidelines be developed in consultation with the CCR and LGBT organizations;
  2. Request the IRB and CIC to provide ongoing sensitivity training on LGBT issues and realities for members, RPOs and CIC employees.
Subject
Working Group
Inland Protection