Recent developments in the South East Asian state of Brunei, with plans to introduce discriminatory laws including the death penalty for being homosexual, have caused an outcry in many countries and outrage from NGOs such as Amnesty international. After the first announcement of the introduction of sharia law in 2013, many basic human rights have been restricted, such as the rights to freedom of expression, religion and belief. It also codified discrimination against women and girls.

From 3rd April 2019, new and restrictive laws such as the death penalty for homosexuality and adultery will be introduced. Rainbow Rose, the European network of socialist LGBTI organisations, and IUSY, the international union of socialist youth, show their deepest concerns about these recent developments, and condemn the continued attacks on human rights in the South East Asian country.

“LGBTI rights are human rights. The implementation of these penalties are a direct attack on the freedom and lives of LGBTI people.“, says Camila Garfias, President of Rainbow Rose. IUSY president Johanna Ortega adds: “When human rights are threatened we are obliged to act and call out on these injustices. The international community must act now.“

Rainbow Rose and IUSY condemn these laws and stand in solidarity with the people in Brunei.