An NHRI Guide on responding to COVID-19 impacts on LGBTI people GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE Following the arrest of a dozen LGBTQI activists in the Philippines at a demonstration, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines called on the authorities to ensure that quarantine regulations do not limit the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and activism.119 Previously, the CHR reminded the government that curfews and lockdowns were to protect human rights, and not to violate them. 3. Education and awareness raising Education and awareness raising is one of the core responsibilities of NHRIs.120 NHRIS may have experience conducting training, seminars, and workshops for law enforcement officials, the judiciary, lawmakers, healthcare professionals and other key authorities whose work directly affects the lives of LGBTI people. NHRIs can make sure that their training materials on the COVID-19 pandemic include the specific situation of LGBTI people and equip these professionals to fulfil their duties in a way that respects and protects the rights of LGBTI people.121 NHRIs also have an important role in tackling the stigma and prejudice that contributes to antiLGBTI discrimination and violence. NHRIs can directly refute negative stereotypes and prejudicial views and can share informative and positive messages about LGBTI people. NHRIs can also use their platforms to provide information to LGBTI people that they would otherwise not be able to access, for instance, on how and where to safely access testing or vaccination sites. POSSIBLE ACTIONS • Promote greater understanding of the vulnerability and human rights of LGBTI people during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, among families and the wider community. • Build the capacity of law enforcement officers and government service providers on the specific vulnerabilities of LGBTI people during the pandemic response. • Condemn in statements any misinformation and political rhetoric that blames LGBTI people for the spread of COVID-19. • Support healthcare providers with information on how to make testing and vaccination sites safe, inclusive, and accessible to LGBTI people. • Publish information specifically for LGBTI people on where and how to safely access state support, masks, testing, or vaccinations including for those who do not have identity documents with their correct name and gender. 19 119 Perez-Rubio Bella, 20 arrested at Pride march against anti-terror bill in Manila. 120 Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in relation to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sex Characteristics, APF, p. 171. 121 OHCHR, COVID-19 and the Human Rights of LGBTI people.