The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Unit of the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to the virtual launch of a new report titled Report on Current Practices in Conversion Therapy, Emerging Technology, and the Protection of LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa. The launch will feature a webinar panel discussion and a Q&A session with the audience.

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Webinar: Launch of 'Report on Current Practices in Conversion Therapy, Emerging Technology, and the Protection of LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa'

Monday 17 May 2021
11:00 GMT / 12:00 WAT / 13:00 SAST
All participants are required to register on Zoom.
Zoom Meeting ID: 91512835255 (registration required)

Click here to register on Zoom

Speakers

Moderator: Thiruna Naidoo
Project Officer: SOGIESC Unit, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

Panellists:

• Ohotuowo Ogbeche
  Director of Research & Knowledge Management, The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs)
• Arudi Laurah Maina
  Programme Officer, Network of African National Human Rights Institutions
• Brian Earp
  Associate Director of the Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy, Yale University and The Hastings Center
• Rev Michelle Boonzaaier
  Programmes Manager, Inclusive & Affirming Ministries
• Hanzline Davids
  Faith Partnerships stream, Inclusive & Affirming Ministries

Background

This report forms part of the Centre’s #Tech4Rights campaign. The surge of technological advancements in the last two decades has had major impact on our society in an unprecedented manner. We see the effect in the transformation that is occurring in the shifts within healthcare delivery, access to education, coordination of protests, engagement in warfare and several other examples. The effect of technology has also been felt in both the creation of opportunities for and harmful effects on LGBTQ+ persons across the world. Conversion therapy is one of such intersections between technology and the rights of LGBTQ+ persons.

Over the years, the harmful effects of conversion therapy on human dignity and mental and emotional health have been well documented. The report has been prepared as a contribution to the conversation. The report looks at the nature of conversion therapy in Africa, the forms it takes, as well as its effects. It provides an analysis of why conversion therapy is considered a human rights violation and the reasons why it should be prohibited globally. The report also highlights the threat of emerging technologies and the impact these could potentially have in creating a more evolved, high-tech version of conversion therapy.

Click here to register on Zoom