Answer to Question #226766 in Law for collenze

Question

 How does the criminal justice system deal with vulnerable groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community amongst others when they are victims of hate crimes?

Answer 1

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) continue to experience both blatant and subtle forms of discrimination in everyday life. These individuals experience discrimination at the extreme end of the spectrum, often becoming the victim of hate crimes as a result of their LGBT identity. This increases the likelihood that many will, at some point, come into contact with the criminal justice system. However, there is evidence to suggest that some LGBT identified victims are reluctant to report crimes or seek help through the criminal justice system due to a fear of discrimination within the system itself. However, All people have an equal right to live free from violence, persecution, discrimination and stigma. International human rights law establishes legal obligations on States to ensure that every person, without distinction, can enjoy these rights. While welcoming increasing efforts in many countries to protect the rights of LGBTI people, we remain seriously concerned that around the world, millions of LGBTI individuals, those perceived as LGBTI and their families face widespread human rights violations. This is cause for alarm – and action.