Día Mundial de la Justicia Social 2023

On this World Day of Social Justice, we call on States to be proactive in overcoming obstacles and ensuring social justice. 

In 2022, activists won a major victory with the decriminalization of abortion in Colombia, reminding us that despite obstacles in much of the region, there is hope as the green tide spreads thanks to the activism of community base everywhere.

In the Caribbean, physical and sexual violence against trans people often goes unreported, as there are no legal mechanisms to recognize different gender expressions, which in itself is a form of violence. Brazil and Mexico, despite being countries with important activists, continued to be the most violent places for trans people in 2022. The United States is the third most dangerous country, with 300 anti-LGBTQ+ laws that have been introduced in the first two months of 2023.

Despite all these challenges, the region's LGBTQI+ communities continue to be at the forefront of movements and activism. Local activists in the Caribbean were rewarded for their hard work with the repeal of colonial-era laws banning same-sex intimate relationships in 3 countries: Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados by 2022. There are We need to protect these activists so they can continue their fight for rights and justice. 

There are solutions that include all of us and all eyes are on the governments of our region so that they offer protection against discrimination and violence.