On this page, you will find:
Legal Framework
Same-sex sexual acts have always been legal in Niger. However, the minimum age of consent (21) is higher for same-sex sexual acts, according to Article 282 of the Penal Code 2003 (in French). An ‘immoral or unnatural act’ with a ‘minor’ of the same sex (under 21) is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 6 months to 3 years, and a fine of between 10,000 and 100,000 CFA francs.
For more detailed information on the protection of LGBTQI+ rights in Niger, visit the Niger ILGA World Database.
In January 2014, security forces arrested two persons found naked in a parked car; the individuals were later convicted of public indecency and were ordered to pay a fine, according to the US State Department.
There have been no documented cases of discrimination in employment, housing, education or healthcare based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This, however, may be attributed to LGBTI persons’ reluctance to report incidents for fear of stigma or intimidation, according to the US State Department.
We have not found any relevant case law at this time but we welcome suggestions. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch.
Organisations supporting LGBTQI+ individuals
The US State Department notes that LGBTQI+ associations in Niger tend to conduct their activities secretly, in part due to their reluctance to be officially registered.
We do not currently list any NGOs working with LGBTI persons in Niger, but we welcome suggestions. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch.
Country of Origin experts in LGBTQI+ rights
Email: benlaw@email.arizona.edu
Benjamin N. Lawrance is the former Conable Chair in International Studies at Rochester Institute of Technology and is currently a professor of history at the University of Arizona.He has conducted field research in West Africa since 1997 and published extensively about political and social conditions. He has served as an expert witness in the asylum cases for over 130 West Africans in the US, Europe and Canada which have involved human trafficking, citizenship, statelessness, female genital cutting, gender issues, gender identity, ethnic and religious violence, and witchcraft accusations.
Niger Legal Assistance
Find organisations providing legal assistance to refugees in Niger.
Niger COI
Find Niger Country of Origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents.
We are always looking to expand the resources on our platform. If you know about relevant resources, or you are aware of organisations and/or individuals to include in our directories, please get in touch.
Last updated May 2023