Niger rejects UN calls to repeal same-sex criminalisation

Niger’s military authorities have rejected recommendations made through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review to repeal the law criminalising consensual same-sex relations and to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Human Rights Watch reports that Niger accepted 254 of 265 recommendations but rejected 11, including the LGBTQ+ rights recommendations, citing “cultural, social, and religious sensitivities”. A new penal code adopted in March 2026 criminalises consensual same-sex relations, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Source: Human Rights Watch, 25 September 2026. Infogaytion LGBTQNews Niger LGBTQAfrica LGBTQRights