“Humanitarian Aid through a Queer Lens” report is out!

07/02/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL

Kaos GL’s latest report “Humanitarian Aid through a Queer Lens: LGBTI+ and Refugee Rights in Crisis” analyzes the aftermath of 6th February earthquakes.

Kaos GL Association published its report titled “Humanitarian Aid through a Queer Lens: LGBTI+ and Refugee Rights in Crisis”. The report on the February 6, 2023 earthquakes' effects on LGBTI+s and refugees has an executive summary titled “Does ‘Everyone’ Include LGBTI+ People?”

“After the earthquakes on 6 February, there was an increase in rights violations against LGBTI+ individuals and refugees affected by the disaster. This was evident both in the comprehensive reports prepared by other civil society organisations (CSOs)^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]} and in KAOS GL’s previous report “The Impact of the 6th February Earthquakes on LGBTI+s”^[6] , as well as in the reporting studies conducted by the Kaos GL Association’s Refugee Rights Programme in collaboration with UNHCR.

CSOs operating in the earthquake zone face numerous challenges regarding inclusivity. Organisations that sometimes emerge to address an acute need often struggle to develop institutional policies, and those that do develop such policies frequently fail to adequately include LGBTI+ individuals and refugees in their policy documents. While some documents contain anti-discrimination principles, along with in-house training and practices to reinforce these principles, these efforts remain extremely limited within CSOs. Similarly, the engagement of organisations with LGBTI+ individuals and refugees is also limited; however, the development of policies, directives, and training activities remains a significant need.

Based on the findings, it has been also observed that most CSOs that declare, in principle, that they do not discriminate against LGBTI+ individuals actually have no experience of working with LGBTI+ individuals or refugees. When they do engage with someone from these groups, the people who were interviewed emphasised that it often becomes a learning process for them in terms of working with an LGBTI+ individual. While referrals are frequently made to CSOs specialising in LGBTI+ and refugee issues, LGBTI+ refugees often hesitate to approach these organisations due to the absence of the aforementioned policies.

LGBTI+ individuals were forced to hide their identities in the earthquake zones. As a result, CSOs struggled to reach them, while those who disclosed their identities, as well as refugees, were left unprotected and vulnerable to violence. This violence was increased by the propaganda of organisations promoting discriminatory ideologies and anti-LGBTI+ hatred. Protective and supportive measures were not implemented to address rights violations such as hate speech, attempted lynching of refugees, expulsion from tented areas, and denial of services to LGBTI+ individuals.

The denial of field permits to organisations working with refugees and the restrictions imposed on organisations supporting LGBTI+ individuals highlight the oppressive environment in which civil society operates. On the other hand, only CSOs were able to provide services to refugees and LGBTI+ individuals. These efforts, driven by a sense of solidarity, empowerment and a gender equality perspective, have created vital breathing spaces for LGBTI+ individuals and refugees. Unfortunately, CSOs faced significant funding constraints to sustain their daily activities, while the LGBTI+ community and organisations experienced worsening poverty.

The support provided by LGBTI+ organisations in the aftermath of the earthquake was aimed not only at LGBTI+ survivors but also at strengthening the capacity of civil society. While attempting to meet the needs of those affected, CSOs also recognised the importance of coming together and learning from each other’s experiences. As you will read in detail in this study, through the narratives of the participants, CSOs are calling for the removal of the barriers they face, for collaboration with those they serve and for increased unity within the sector. Such activities carried out by LGBTI+ CSOs have a positive impact on the inclusion of LGBTI+ individuals and refugees and encourage mainstream organisations to develop policies and initiatives in this area.”

Click here for the full report.

Tags: human rights