|
The first organisation of its type in the Arab world, Helem has established a reputation of leader in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. With the overall aim of coming to the aid of the Lebanese GLBT community, Helem Montreal set up the Legal Bureau in 2007. In particular, it is there to support those demanding asylum and same-sex couples who emigrate from Lebanon or elsewhere in the Arab world. A Lebanese-Canadian lawyer, who studied in both countries, directs the office.
By the end of 2008, the Bureau foresees publishing the first judicial report on the persecution of LGBTs in the Arab world. The report will examine the clauses and dispositions, which incriminate LGBT individuals, found in the penal codes of all Arabic countries, as well as their application in the judicial system. It will also investigate related issues, like homophobia, HIV-AIDS, and general perceptions of homosexuality within Arab society.
We are pleased to respond to your questions relative to refugee status claims or Canadian immigration for same-sex couples. Please note that all communications with the Legal Bureau remain confidential as required by the ethics of the legal profession. Contact us at : legal@helem.net
In October 2008, Helem Montréal's Legal Bureau finalized its amazing work on a complete and detailed report on the gays and lesbians' situation in Lebanon from a legal point of view. It took about a year to produce this document, never written before, through researches in archives, field interviews (in Lebanon) etc. The Report included an important section about the HIV virus in the Lebanese society and the last section tackles laws, which incriminate LGBT individuals, found in the penal codes of all Arabic-speaking countries.
Read the detailed 2008 Legal Report here
Useful links:
- Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada: http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca
|
Laws from Arab-Speaking Countries
targeting LGBT:
Algeria
Bahrain •
Egypt
Iraq •
Jordan
Kuwait •
Lebanon
Libya •
Morocco
Oman
Palestinian Territories
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Sudan •
Syria
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
|
