UPR Sexual Rights Database

National Report:
Para 2) The Government remains committed and fully engaged towards the review, reform and enhancement of existing legislation, and moving towards the enactment of new laws so as to remain in the forefront of advocating for the advancement of human rights practices. Some new pieces of legislation and amendments enacted since the last review include interalia: (a) The repeal of Section 151 of the ‘Seychelles Penal Code’ in 2016 thereby decriminalizing private, consensual sex between adults of the same sex, discussed in detail in paragraph 57;
Para 56) Seychelles is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and recognizes the inherent right to dignity of each citizen. Article 27 of the Constitution of Seychelles guarantees equal protection of the law including the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set out in the Seychelles Charter of Fundamental Human Rights without discrimination. This entails that citizens who feel aggrieved on the basis of their sexual orientation may freely seek redress.
Para 57) In June 2016 following extensive intergovernmental and public consultation, the Government repealed Section 151 of the Seychelles Penal Code that criminalized private, consensual sex between adults of the same sex. The offence previously subjected the offender of felony and liable to imprisonment for fourteen years, although, notably, no citizen had ever been tried in Seychelles under this offence. Para 58) In 2016 a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) group was registered in Seychelles and since serves as a forum where the members can engage actively on issues that have direct impact upon them. They provide education and awareness programmes to the public on issues such as sexual orientation, nondiscrimination, and stigmatization.
Para 59) The Government continues to consult on whether and to what extent legislations can be amended to better guarantee the Constitutional rights of all its citizens regardless of sexual orientation.

UN Compilation:
Para 15) [CEDAW] noted that consensual same-sex relationships had been decriminalized. It was concerned, however, about acts of gender-based violence and persistent societal discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and transgender women.

Stakeholder Summary:
Para 5) Regarding recommendations 120.47, 120.48, and 120.53, SHRC noted that in 2016 the Government had repealed the law criminalising same-sex relationships between consenting adults. However, regarding recommendation 120.46 and 120.52, SHRC stated that the Government had not yet enacted legislation to ensure protection for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity …

National Report:
Para 37) A 'GBV Working Together Manual' to facilitate various agencies working together to prevent and respond effectively in favour of GBV survivors and their families is being developed. The Manual seeks to set out the roles and responsibilities of each agency and the procedures for multi-disciplinary work in addressing GBV effectively.

Para 146) A helpline for the empowerment of women was set up by the NGO Women in Action and Solidarity. Working together with government agencies, the helpline provides ... counseling for victims of domestic abuse.