To access the Policy Paper: Advancing the Economic Inclusion of LGBTQIA++ People in Tunisia The Role of International Development Programs
Tunisia has always been viewed as a regional leader in promoting and protecting human rights. The 2011 revolution marked a turning point, expanding the space for civic engagement and opening the door to new movements advocating for individual freedoms, including LGBTQIA++ rights. This context enabled the emergence of civil society organisations committed to defending individual liberties and advancing LGBTQIA++ visibility, paving the way for greater collective momentum towards social and political change.
Despite the progress, deep structural barriers remain. A legal framework criminalizes consensual same-sex relationships and sex work, combined with a socially stigmatizing environment, continues to hinder emancipation from heterosexist norms.
The current context described above match with the global research on sexuality and poverty which highlights the inability of LGBTQIA++ individuals to escape web of poverty, despite the presence of international development programs aimed at supporting democratic transition and strengthening the rule of law – across sectors such as education, health, governance, and more – these interventions often lack an inclusive lens and genuine sensitivity to the specific needs of LGBTQIA++ communities.
In this context, international development programs can play a critical role in enhancing the inclusion of LGBTQIA++ community which aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its core principle of “leaving no one behind.” However, LGBTQIA++ issues remain largely neglected in most international cooperation projects as this policy paper shows. Therefore, this exclusion hinders progress towards social and economic justice for this community.
This policy paper advocates for meaningful economic inclusion of LGBTQIA++ people in Tunisia by providing concrete recommendations for development stakeholders.
To access the Policy Paper: Advancing the Economic Inclusion of LGBTQIA++ People in Tunisia The Role of International Development Programs
