The report highlights reports of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and gender-based violence during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. It explains that although the UN and Ukraine’s General Prosecutor’s Office have reported hundreds of cases, experts agree these numbers are only a fraction of the true scale due to survivors’ reluctance to report and limited access to Russian-occupied territories. Victims face significant barriers, including inadequate legal frameworks, fear of stigma or retraumatization, and limited survivor-centered support. While Ukraine has taken steps to address CRSV, including establishing a special investigative unit and improving legal definitions, much work remains to ensure accountability and provide adequate support, particularly for marginalized groups like LGBTIQ+ survivors.

The report provides in-depth analysis of the Taliban’s acts to deprive Afghans of the fundamental right to work on the basis of gender — acts that may amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution.

Rainbow Railroad released an annual report entitled “Understanding the State of Global LGBTQI+ Persecution” which compiles its data from several countries and situations across the globe. It details several reasons for persecution, and why refugees seek to flee based on each country.

Volume One: Gender Persecution in Afghanistan: A Crime Against Humanity

This report provides in-depth analysis of the Taliban’s acts to deprive Afghans of fundamental rights on the basis of gender – acts that may amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution. This volume examines the severe deprivation of the fundamental rights to education, assembly, and expression.