Von Oktober 2025 bis Ende März 2026 ist der Menschenrechtsverteidiger Crystal Ivan Kakonge über die Elisabeth Seibert Initiative zu Gast in Deutschland. Die Aidshilfe Hamburg bietet ihm in diesem Zeitraum eine Anlaufstelle, um Menschen begegnen- und ihre Infrastruktur, um seine wichtige Arbeit durchführen zu können. 

Die Arbeit der Initiative, die schwierige Situation der LGBT*-Communities in Uganda und seine Arbeit, fasst Crystal Ivan in einer Erklärung zusammen. 

The Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative (ESI) stands as a vital lifeline for human rights defenders across the globe who are forced to operate under conditions of extreme risk, repression, and criminalization. Through its commitment to temporary relocation, protection, and international solidarity, ESI offers not only physical safety, but also dignity, healing, and the opportunity for defenders to regain strength and continue their work for justice. We also extend our deep appreciation to host organizations that translate solidarity into daily practice by welcoming and supporting human rights defenders during periods of temporary relocation. Organizations such as Aidshilfe Hamburg, among many others, play an indispensable role by providing safe spaces, care, accompaniment, and community. Their support enables defenders to recover emotionally and mentally, rebuild stability, and remain connected to their purpose and communities. 

In Uganda, the situation for LGBTQI+ people and those who defend their rights has deteriorated sharply following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. This law has institutionalized discrimination and legitimized violence against LGBTQI+ persons, human rights defenders, civil society actors, and allies. Its enactment and enforcement have been widely condemned for violating fundamental constitutional guarantees, including the rights to dignity, privacy, equality before the law, freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and due process. The law has also been enacted and implemented in ways that undermine the rule of law and breach Uganda’s regional and international human rights obligations under instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and international human rights treaties. In practice, it has led to arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, forced evictions, mob violence, extortion, censorship, and the silencing of human rights work. LGBTQI+ individuals have been subjected to physical violence, sexual violence, invasive practices, public outing, and social exclusion, while defenders are targeted simply for providing support, services, or advocacy. 

Despite these grave violations, the resilience of affected communities remains strong. Even when human rights defenders are forced to flee, relocate temporarily, or work in exile, their commitment to justice and to their communities does not end. The support provided through initiatives such as the Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative, and through host organizations like Aidshilfe Hamburg, reinforces the ability of defenders to survive, to heal, and to continue standing with their communities. I continue to stand in full solidarity with LGBTQI+ communities and all marginalized groups facing persecution, criminalization, and violence. The spirit to support, advocate for, and uplift my community remains unbroken. Temporary safety and protection do not weaken this commitment; rather, they strengthen the resolve to continue contributing to long-term change and justice. We appeal to the conscience of a free and just world to remain engaged and responsive. There is an urgent need for increased international solidarity, protection mechanisms, and resources so that more human rights defenders can be supported, and so that entire communities across Africa facing repression can access safety, dignity, and hope. 

Protection for defenders is not only about saving individual lives it is about preserving movements, sustaining communities, and defending the very principles of human rights and freedom. We express our sincere gratitude to the Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative, to Aidshilfe Hamburg, and to all host organizations and partners who continue to stand with human rights defenders. Your work has a profound and lasting impact not only on those you directly support, but on the broader struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity across Africa and beyond. (Crystal Ivan Kakonge)

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