An increasing number of persons who are the victims of persecution on the ground of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity are seeking protection outside their home country, and in particular in Europe. This constitutes a challenge in terms of respect for the rights of LGBTi people, and also the living conditions of refugees and their integration in the host societies.

Belonging to an ethnic minority, wearing religious symbols or being a migrant has a significant impact on women’s chances of entering the job market due to the convergence of several types of discrimination. Moreover, gender identities are sometimes exploited for racist reasons and constitute a major challenge for anti-discrimination policies.

How can the intersectional approach help addressing multiple grounds discrimination? The study visit to the ICC city of Geneva will address the issue of human rights from an intersectional angle, and showcase good practices applied locally or at the international level which combat discrimination in a decompartementalised and comprehensive manner, by taking into account the links between sexism, racism and homophobia. A policy brief will be produced after the visit to provide guidance to the members of the ICC network. The study visit is aimed at representatives of cities which are members of the Intercultural Cities Programme and/or participants mandated by them. Taking as a basis projects implemented by institutions or associations, the seminar will broach three themes relevant to the human rights challenges at local level.