Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D). – (PL) Mr President, there is increasing violence against people with differing sexual orientation in African countries. According to estimates by LGBT organisations, these persons are more likely to be victims of harassment, physical attacks, arrests and even murder. Homosexuality is currently illegal in 38 African countries, and in Mauritania, Yemen, parts of Nigeria, Gambia and Somalia, it is punishable by death.

LGBT persons are not only marginalised as citizens by their own governments; they are in no way protected by the governmental executive authorities. Homophobia, which prevails among the police in those countries, in practice means that there is no guarantee of protection or safety. African authorities should condemn all manifestations and acts of incitement to hatred and violence, and punish perpetrators of similar acts. The European Union can play a significant role in this matter in the context of the cooperation agreements concluded with African countries by pushing for equal treatment of all citizens regardless of sexual orientation.