I – Overview
Position: External Expert or Consultant
Project: Research and Submission on the Human Rights Situation of LGBT Persons Deprived of Liberty in Türkiye.
Output: Submission to the UN Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in response to the call for input on the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT) persons deprived of liberty.
Location: Remote
Language: English
Estimated starting date: As soon as possible
Duration: 10 days
Renumeration: 2000 EUR
Deadline for Application: 31 October 2026, 23:59 CET
II – Background
EuroMed Rights (EMR) and the Human Rights Association (IHD) are seeking an external expert/consultant to prepare a submission to the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in response to the call for input on the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT) persons deprived of liberty.
LGBT persons deprived of liberty may face specific risks of violence, discrimination, ill-treatment, denial of healthcare and other essential services, as well as violations of their privacy, dignity and autonomy. These risks may arise at different stages of deprivation of liberty and may be compounded by discriminatory laws, institutional practices, inadequate safeguards and barriers to reporting abuse or accessing effective remedies.
Through this consultancy, EMR and IHD seek to contribute evidence-based analysis to the Independent Expert’s work by examining relevant legal and policy frameworks, patterns of violence and discrimination, institutional practices, accountability mechanisms and effective measures to protect the rights of LGBT persons deprived of liberty.
III- Objective
The objective of the consultancy is to prepare a ready-for-submission input document responding to the call for input issued by the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The submission should provide substantive, evidence-based analysis of the human rights situation of LGBT persons deprived of liberty, drawing on relevant international human rights law, applicable standards and available research and documentation, with a specific focus on the situation in Türkiye.
In particular, the submission should address relevant issues identified in the call for input, including:
- Legal and policy frameworks governing the treatment of LGBT persons deprived of liberty, including discriminatory laws and their implications for arrest, detention and treatment.
- Patterns of violence, discrimination, ill-treatment, neglect and denial of essential services across different custodial settings.
- Risks associated with placement, classification, searches, transfers, privacy and the protection of sexual orientation and gender identity information.
- Access to healthcare, legal assistance, education, family contact and other essential services.
- The effectiveness of complaints procedures, independent monitoring, oversight and accountability mechanisms.
- Intersectional forms of discrimination and the specific risks faced by LGBT persons with intersecting characteristics.
- Data gaps, ethical considerations in documenting violations, and effective practices and recommendations to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability.
- The submission should respond to the questions most relevant to the selected research focus, in accordance with the scope and requirements of the call for input.
IV- Deliverable
The consultant will produce:
One ready-for-submission input document responding to the call for input on the human rights situation of LGBT persons deprived of liberty.
The document will:
- Be prepared as a separate Word document.
- Be written in English.
- Limited to 2500 words (5 pages) approximately
- Address the relevant questions and themes outlined in the call for input.
- Draw on applicable international human rights standards and reliable evidence.
- Include appropriate references and, where relevant, concrete recommendations.
- Respect confidentiality, self-identification and the principle of ‘do no harm’ when addressing data concerning LGBT persons.
Deadline for submission of the application: 31 October 2026, 17:00 CET.
V – Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in international law, international human rights law, gender studies or a closely related field.
- Preferably ; a registered consultant in Türkiye.
- Demonstrable knowledge of UN Human Rights mechanisms.
- Fluency in English and strong knowledge of UN terminology.
- Experience researching or working on issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, violence and discrimination, deprivation of liberty, detention conditions or the human rights of LGBT persons.
- Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills.
VI – Payment Terms
Payment shall be made in full upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of the final report, accompanied by a complete and valid invoice detailing the services rendered, applicable reference numbers, and any agreed expenses. EuroMed Rights reserves the right to withhold payment until the deliverable has been reviewed and formally accepted as meeting the specifications outlined in this TOR. Invoices must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of final acceptance. Payment shall be processed within thirty (30) days of receipt of a compliant invoice. Any disputes regarding payment shall be raised in writing within fifteen (15) days of the relevant payment date. EuroMed Rights shall not be liable for costs incurred beyond the agreed contract value unless authorised in writing in advance.
VII- Application Process
- CV
- Example of previous relevant consultancy work
Please send the above documentation to applications.euromedrights@gmail.com by 31 October 2026, 23:59 CET, at the latest, including “OHCHR Consultancy 2026/ LGBTI” in the subject line of the e-mail.