Senegal’s Crackdown on LGBTQ+ People Threatens Access to Healthcare

Human Rights Research Center

3 minutes ago

3 min read

October XX, 2026

HRRC condemns Senegal’s targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Criminalising consensual same-sex relations undermines human dignity and equal protection under the law. Senegal’s response to questions of sexuality should not come at the expense of fundamental rights, public health or the safety of people already facing discrimination.

A university student in Dakar, Senegal, who has barely left his room since February due to stigma and fear of arrest, May 2026 [Image credit: Human Rights Watch]

The arrest of hundreds of people in Senegal under laws targeting same-sex relations has raised concerns about access to healthcare and legal protection, with some people avoiding HIV treatment for fear of being exposed to the authorities.

The crackdown intensified after parliament amended Article 319 of the Penal Code in March 2026, doubling the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relationships to 10 years. The law also introduced penalties for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ people and organisations, raising fears among those providing health and legal assistance.

The effect on healthcare is already measurable. Figures collected by Senegal’s National Council for the Fight Against AIDS showed that attendance at 22 HIV treatment centres fell by 25.6 per cent between January and February. Similarly, interviews with more than 50 men who have sex with men found that some were staying away because they feared being reported, arrested or harassed.

Community organisations have also suspended some services because of safety concerns, leaving people who rely on them with fewer options for testing, prevention and support. Health workers and community organisers have described how the crackdown has disrupted their work.

The arrests have also affected the ability of suspects to defend themselves in court. Rights groups have documented difficulties detainees faced in securing lawyers, alongside reports of HIV tests conducted without consent and the disclosure of private medical information. The reported practices have raised concerns about the protection of detainees’ rights and the handling of confidential health records.

The number of arrests remains unclear, with the HIV Justice Network reporting more than 320 arrested on allegations of “acts against nature”, since February.

The government has defended its position on same-sex relations. In May, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko rejected what he described as Western attempts to “impose homosexuality” on Senegal.

Senegal’s 2010 law on HIV/AIDS protects patients’ privacy and requires their consent before they are tested. Reports of people being tested without consent and having their medical information exposed have raised concerns about whether these protections are being respected during the arrests.

HRRC urges Senegalese authorities to retract laws criminalising same-sex relations, respect patients’ privacy, ensure that those arrested can access lawyers and receive a fair hearing, and allow people to seek medical care without fear of arrest. Senegal should also review the amended law to ensure it respects human rights and does not put organisations providing healthcare and legal support at risk of prosecution.

Glossary

Access to healthcare – The ability of individuals to obtain timely, affordable, and appropriate healthcare services when needed.
Amend – To change the words of a text, especially a law or legal document.
Coincide – To happen at or near the same time.
Confidential - Intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class
Consensual – Done with the willing agreement of all the people involved.
Consent – To give assent or approval.
Crackdown – When an authority uses strict or harsh measures to curb certain behavior
Disclosure – The act of making something evident
Discrimination - An action, behaviour, decision, or omission that treats a person or a group of people unfairly and badly for reasons linked to personal traits, such as their race, age or gender.
Human rights - Rights we have simply because we exist as human beings.
Impose – To officially force a rule to be obeyed or received.
Legal protection – Laws and other official measures intended to protect people’s rights and freedoms.
Medical privacy - The protection of a patient's healthcare information from inappropriate use and disclosure, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with government regulations to prevent potential breaches.
Penal code - A code of laws concerning crimes and offenses and their punishment.
Same-sex relationships - A relationship between people of the same sex.

References

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Senegal’s Crackdown on LGBTQ+ People Threatens Access to Healthcare

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