Strengthening the Rights of LGBTIQ Detainees in the EU

🌈 Project Update: Strengthening the Rights of LGBTIQ Detainees in the EU

We’re proud to share the successful conclusion of the EU-JUST co-funded project “Strengthening the Rights of LGBTIQ Detainees in the EU – LGBTIQ Detainees.” Led by by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights, a long-standing member of our network, the project was carried out with Associazione Antigone and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, also members of our Observatory, and the Themistocles and Dimitris Tsatsos Foundation – Centre for European Constitutional Law.

🔎 The research mapped laws and policies across the EU and examined what life is really like for LGBTIQ people in detention. It shows that issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression are still not properly addressed, highlighting how vital this project’s work is.

What’s new:
The project has now published its main findings, including:

-A Regional Report for EU policymakers, analyzing human rights standards, key challenges, good practices, and recommendations to strengthen protection for LGBTIQ detainees.

-Four National Reports (Austria, Greece, Hungary, Italy), offering in-depth analyses and data to support advocacy and reform.

💡 Key takeaway:
Current prison systems often rely on separating LGBTIQ detainees rather than addressing their individual needs. The project calls for inclusive, dignity-based approaches that ensure everyone’s rights are respected, without isolation or discrimination.
These reports – essential tools for anyone working to make prisons safer and fairer for all – could serve as foundational resources for monitoring bodies and civil society organizations (like those in the EPO network) seeking to advocate for better, non-discriminatory treatment in line with human rights standards.

All reports are availablein English and national languages on our website.