IACHR calls on States to ensure an effective response to violence against trans persons

November 20, 2025

Washington, DC—On the International Trans Day of Remembrance, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) honors the memory of trans and gender-diverse persons who have been victims of lethal violence in the Americas. On this date, the IACHR reminds States of their international obligations to prevent, punish, and eradicate gender and bias-based violence, ensuring the right of trans persons to live free from violence.

Across the region, high levels of prejudice-motivated violence persist, fueled by social contexts of discrimination and impunity in hate-crime cases. This violence disproportionately affects trans women and gender-diverse persons whose gender expression is perceived as feminine. Trans persons face heightened risks of exclusion, assault, and murder, often committed with viciousness and extreme cruelty, underscoring the urgent need for effective State responses. According to civil society data, at least 159 trans people were murdered in the region in 2025; 131 of them identified as women.

The Commission acknowledges progress by several States that have introduced gender identity or expression as an aggravating factor in hate-motivated crimes. However, only 14 States have adopted such provisions, highlighting the need to strengthen legal frameworks and public policies to ensure comprehensive and effective protection against violence.

In contrast, the IACHR has observed with concern the adoption of regressive measures in several states that contradict international human-rights standards. These include attempts to restrict legal gender recognition, limit access to health services and gender-affirming care, and censor gender-diversity contents in education. Such actions deepen social exclusion and fuel stigmatizing discourses that increase the risk of violence.

Under the Interamerican standards developed from the of Belém do Pará Convention, States are required to apply enhanced due diligence to prevent violence against all women, including trans women. The IACHR stresses that existing legal frameworks on gender-based violence must be applied inclusively, ensuring the investigation and punishment of transfemicides and the effective protection of trans and gender-diverse persons.

The Commission urges States to promptly implement existing laws and public policies on the prevention and eradication of gender-based violence, incorporating a perspective that recognises the diversity of gender identities and expressions.

The IACHR is a principal, autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Commission is mandated to promote respect for human rights in the region and serves as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. It comprises seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 238/25

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