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Description
The project aims at interinstitutional capacity building in Advocacy and policy monitoring between NGOs and LGBTI collectives and NGOs that work on issues of migration and asylum to promote the quality of life and integration of LGBTI migrants, including asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection; and the creation of an articulated network that allows a reinforcement of the interinstitutional monitoring of these cases.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several critical issues and challenges faced by LGBTI individuals and their families. Despite the fundamental right of all people, including LGBTI individuals, to live a safe, dignified life free from fear, phobias, and persecution, research has documented widespread abuse, violence, and harassment against them. This issue is pervasive across geographical and social boundaries, affecting people regardless of their religion, social class, ethnicity, or age.
In Portugal, although the legal framework is progressive and respects the principles of equality and freedom, there is still a lack of awareness regarding the diversity and integration of LGBTI individuals and their families. This situation is exacerbated by the influx of people fleeing their home countries due to discomfort and insecurity, making them more vulnerable. Homosexuality remains a crime in 77 countries, with seven of them imposing the death penalty.
Since 2012, ILGA Portugal has been assisting LGBTI migrants, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international protection, being the only association specifically doing so. However, the project identified significant challenges, including the difficulty LGBTI individuals face in identifying themselves and seeking appropriate help. There is a mismatch between existing responses and the specific needs of LGBTI individuals and their families, largely due to a lack of understanding of identity issues and the human rights situation in their countries of origin.
Additionally, LGBTI migrants, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international protection often struggle to recognize their identity and seek help, compounded by the inexperience and lack of adequate training among LGBTI associations and collectives, including ILGA, regarding migration and asylum issues. To address these challenges, ILGA Portugal proposed implementing this project, starting with a thorough assessment of the training needs of entities on the ground and insights from LGBTI migrants, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international protection. The project aimed to provide inter-associative training for knowledge exchange and mutual capacity building, culminating in the production of a procedural manual and the establishment of a coordinated work network.
The project undertook several key activities to address the challenges faced by LGBTI individuals and their families. It began with an assessment of training needs and an increase in technical-scientific knowledge about the phenomenon, resulting in a diagnostic needs report. The project conducted three capacity-building sessions for NGOs and LGBTI+ collectives in the area of asylum and migration. Additionally, it organized six training sessions for NGOs and other entities on LGBTI+ issues.
A significant output of the project was the development of a manual of procedures and best practices for professionals working with LGBTI+ migrants, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international protection. The project also established a coordinated work network between LGBTI+ entities and other organizations to enhance collaboration in this area. To disseminate the project''s results, an intermediate conference and a final conference were held. These activities collectively aimed to improve the support and integration of LGBTI+ individuals in Portugal.
The project achieved significant results by creating training frameworks for capacity-building and training sessions based on the needs assessment. This approach allowed the project to tailor the training to the specific needs identified by participants during the project''s initial phase, addressing gaps in the support and integration of LGBTI+ migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. These training frameworks, although not formally counted as project outputs, will continue to be used whenever possible.
This innovative inter-institutional capacity-building approach enabled all involved to understand the fundamental need to work collaboratively on these issues, given the specific and heightened vulnerabilities of the individuals being supported. The project''s outcomes and impacts were primarily for LGBTI+ migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, improving their access to appropriate support and integration services.