Current information on the treatment and the perception of homosexuals by the Guinean society and the existence of any estate protection could not be found among the published sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

In a 23 October 1998 article, it is stated that, in his country, Mohamed Camara, a Guinean movie actor, "was cursed by a local imam after his appearance in a television debate on homosexuality" (Mail and Guardian Oct. 1998). In response to that attitude, the actor declared the following: "I wasn't surprised, homosexuality is a dead-end in the African tradition, a taboo especially coming from a Muslim upbringing, like I do." (ibid.). The Guinean actor also experienced a problem of finding a person to play the leading role in "Dakan", the first African movie about homosexuality, which was first shown at Cannes, in May 1997 (ibid.).

In correspondence, a representative of the Conakry-based Guinean Organization for the Defence of Human Rights-OGDH (Organisation guinéenne de défense des droits de l'homme) which, is affiliated to the Paris-based International Federation of Human Rights Leagues-FIDH (Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme) stated the following: homosexuality exists in Guinea but no mention [reference] to it, is made in the Guinea Law. He added that the Guinean society, in general, considers homosexuality as [translation] " an ignoble and prohibitory act". Any person identified as homosexual is [translation] "automatically rejected by the society and people who take a risk in such activities, do it with a great discretion." (25 Feb. 2000)

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Organisation guinéenne de défense des droits de l'homme (OGDH), Conakry. 25 February 2000. Correspondence.

Mail and Guardian (Johannesburg). 23 October 1998. Anthony Orliange. " Arts and Entertainment." (NEXIS)

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential 1999-January 2000.

Country Reports for Human Rights Practices for 1999. February 2000. Electronic version.

International Gay and Lesbian Association (ILGA) Bulletin [Brussels, Belgium]. 1998-1999.

IRB databases.

LEXIS/NEXIS.

Resources Centre county file. Guinea. 1999.

West Africa 1999.

World News Connection (WNC).

Internet sites, including:

Amnesty International Online.

Gays and Lesbian in Africa Studies (GLAS).

HRW Online.

Legal International Law enforcement gays and Lesbians.

Religious Tolerance.

Search engines including:

Google.

Yahoo.