As Rwanda joins the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Human Rights First Rwanda Association (HRFRA) is calling for stronger legal protections and inclusive healthcare services for LGBTQ+ Rwandans particularly those facing daily discrimination in silence.
This year’s IDAHOBIT theme, “The Power of Communities,” underscores the importance of collective action in fighting systemic injustice. HRFRA, a national human rights organization rooted in legal empowerment, says the theme is especially relevant in Rwanda, where LGBTQ+ individuals often remain unseen in policy debates and underserved in public services.
“No one should be denied dignity, safety, or healthcare because of who they are or whom they love,” said Me Jonathan Musangwa, HRFRA’s Programs Coordinator.
According to HRFRA, discrimination in Rwanda’s health sector remains a significant barrier to progress especially for LGBTQ+ individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Many patients report being mocked, misdiagnosed, or denied treatment entirely, creating fear and mistrust of health facilities. These experiences often push individuals to avoid seeking care altogether, worsening their conditions and contributing to the spread of disease.
“This not only violates their rights but pushes them further from the help they need, deepening the HIV crisis,” Musangwa added.
In a statement released to mark IDAHOBIT 2025, HRFRA expressed concern over Rwanda’s new Draft Law Regulating Healthcare Services, which is currently under parliamentary review. The law lacks explicit protections for LGBTQ+ persons, sex workers, and people who use drugs, communities most affected by HIV and systemic exclusion.
HRFRA is urging lawmakers to amend the bill and include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as to ensure healthcare language is inclusive and affirming of transgender and non-binary individuals. The organization also emphasized the need for healthcare provider training that upholds confidentiality, dignity, and non-discrimination.
HRFRA collaborates with grassroots advocates, peer leaders, and a national network of paralegals to document abuse, provide legal aid, and support those denied services due to their identity. Despite operating with limited resources and under constant social pressure, HRFRA believes the power of community can drive change where governments fall short.
“Progress is being driven by community organizations working on the frontlines — often without funding or recognition,” the association stated. “But we cannot do it alone.”
On this IDAHOBIT, HRFRA is appealing to policymakers to protect all Rwandans in law, to donors and partners to fund inclusive advocacy initiatives, and to healthcare institutions to uphold the principle of “do no harm” for everyone, without exception.
“Discrimination is not a Rwandan value. Exclusion is not justice. Invisibility is not safety,” HRFRA emphasized. “True progress means protecting the most marginalized. When LGBTQ+ Rwandans are safe, healthy, and free, our entire nation becomes stronger, more humane, and more just.”
