UN and the Dutch Embassy planned an LGBTQ dialogue event in Dakar
A proposed LGBTQ rights discussion organised by the UN Human Rights Office and the Netherlands Embassy has been called off after the Senegalese government strongly rejected the idea.
The event, which was meant to take place at the Dutch embassy in Dakar, aimed at promoting dialogue and understanding around LGBTQ rights, a topic that remains very sensitive in Senegal.
Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern statement, calling the planned meeting unacceptable and saying it clashed with the country’s cultural, social, and religious values.
“Such activism is not tolerated and may trigger unrest, especially now when the nation is facing other serious matters,” the ministry warned.
Officials reminded all diplomatic offices to respect local traditions and laws, noting that homosexuality is illegal in the country and can carry jail terms of up to five years.
In response, both the UN and the Dutch embassy cancelled the event, saying their aim is not to cause conflict but to promote dialogue.
“We remain committed to human rights, including LGBTQ rights, but understand the importance of respecting local contexts,” they said in a joint statement.
This incident highlights the growing tension between international organisations that promote universal rights and nations that uphold conservative values rooted in tradition and religion.
While rights activists continue to push for inclusion and justice, the Senegalese government has remained firm, saying it will not accept what it sees as foreign pressure to change its laws or values.
