In May 2023, ALO’s Executive Director, Artemis Akbary, was invited to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to participate in a historic three-day roundtable on Gender Persecution. The event brought together experts, advocates, and civil society representatives to examine how the crime of gender persecution can be better understood, prosecuted, and integrated into international justice efforts.
During the discussions, Artemis highlighted the essential role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in documenting gender persecution and contributing evidence to international accountability mechanisms. He emphasized that while CSOs carry substantial knowledge and community trust, many lack access to the tools, legal frameworks, and direct channels needed to engage effectively with the ICC. Strengthening cooperation between the Court and civil society—through thematic roundtables, technical trainings, and sustained dialogue—was presented as a critical step toward more inclusive and effective accountability.
A key insight from the roundtable was the recognition that systematic persecution of LGBTQI people can fall under the crime of gender persecution—an area that has historically been overlooked. Artemis noted the significance of discussing LGBTQI-targeted violence openly within the ICC system, something that would have been nearly unimaginable only a year prior. While this marks meaningful progress, he stressed that current international norms and frameworks still fail to adequately address the realities faced by LGBTQI people in conflict zones and under authoritarian regimes. Artemis called for the creation of stronger international mechanisms capable of holding states accountable for laws and policies that criminalize, target, or persecute LGBTQI communities.
ALO extends sincere appreciation to Lisa and all organizers of this landmark event for making space for these critical conversations and for advancing the global understanding of gender persecution.
