Ombudsman appoints staff to address LGBTQI+ issues

The Office of the Ombudsman has appointed two focal persons to handle complaints related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and others (LGBTQI+) community.

Spokesperson Aurelia David confirmed this to The Namibian on Tuesday.

“In the past, we did not have specific mechanisms in place to deal with LGBTQI+-related complaints. However, we have now appointed an investigator and a legal officer,” she said.

David said it is the office’s responsibility to investigate allegations of human rights violations.

This initiative comes in response to the Supreme Court’s recognition in May this year of same-sex marriages conducted abroad, which has led to increased homophobia and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people.

Members of the LGBTQI+ community have faced vocal opposition from church leaders, traditional authorities and politicians, who have publicly condemned same-sex marriage and have organised nationwide protests.

A litigant in a gay-rights case heard in the Windhoek High Court last week, Friedel Dausab, has urged members of the LGBTQI+ community to develop safety and security plans, particularly in preparation for the court’s decision, which is expected on 17 May 2024.

He said this during a media briefing last week, after a High Court hearing on a constitutional challenge of the criminalisation of sexual acts between men.

“As a litigant, I am fortunate enough to have a safety and security plan that allows me to remain safe even in the face of danger. However, I cannot say the same for the rest of the LGBTQI+ community in the country,” Dausab said.

He urged other organisations working with the LGBTQI+ community to ensure the safety of their members and immediate families.

“As we get closer to a win, our opposition realises that we will achieve equality for the LGBTQI+ community in Namibia. There may be personal attacks on us,” Dausab said.

He emphasised the importance of vigilance and preparedness, and advised individuals to have a plan in place for the worst-case scenario, to identify trusted contacts and to maintain an emergency grab bag with essential documents should one need to leave to save their life.

The executive director of Positive Vibes Trust, Flavian Rhode, highlighted the trust’s ongoing efforts to engage with various government entities, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Statistics Agency and relevant ministries, to promote multisectoral collaboration.

“The second meeting was co-hosted by the Office of the Ombudsman, with the aim of developing an LGBTQI+ community inclusion framework, sending a clear message of support and inclusion,” Rhode said.