Annex III: Background paper 2nd Jean-Jacques Gautier Symposium: Addressing situations of vulnerability of LGBT persons in detention 3–4 June 2015 - Geneva, Switzerland Overview Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons have historically faced and continue to face discrimination and violence around the world. When deprived of their liberty, they find themselves in a particular situation of vulnerability and are at risk of serious human rights violations. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has stated that “sexual minorities are often considered as a sub-category of prisoners and detained in worse conditions of detention than the larger prison population. The Special Rapporteur has received information according to which members of sexual minorities in detention have been subjected to considerable violence, especially sexual assault and rape, by fellow inmates and, at times, by prison guards.” National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) established according to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) have an important role to play in preventing abuses and ill-treatment against LGBT persons in detention. The Symposium aims to provide a unique forum for exchange and discussion on the issue of the vulnerability of LGBT persons deprived of their liberty. Fifteen NPMs and other key actors will be present. These two days will also help NPMs in carrying out their preventive mandate by identifying good practices in monitoring the conditions of LGBT persons deprived of their liberty. 43