EFFECT OF CULTURE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN AFRICA

African people believed that every human right should be ‘soluble’ in culture. They dictated and decided what should be the rights of the people. Changing and adopting any cultural practice had never been easy. Therefore, sexual orientation as it is presently known became an anathema to the people and its culture hence, the reactions of African countries such as Uganda, Gambia and Nigeria on sexual orientation. The study investigated the level of knowledge and behaviour of social workers, policy makers and society on culture, human rights and sexual orientation. Survey design was adopted using qualitative approach. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological met110d of analysis was applied on data gathered through key informant in-depth interview (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD). Findings indicated poor knowledge of sexual orientation by the social workers, policy makers and society. Policy makers exhibited conservative opposition and repression towards sexual orientation. Social workers confused hunlan rights with self-righteousness. The study concluded that education of all stakeholders: social workers, policy makers, and society about human rights and sexual orientation is inadequate. The study, therefore, recommended that education on human rights and sexual orientation should be emphasized among stakeholders, especially, policy makers like law makers. They should understand that human rights should not become subordinate to culture. The government should apply principle of persuasion and not persecution in its dealings with members of society on sexual orientation. Recognition of dignity and worth of the person with individual values is paramount rule. Finally, all social workers should take an oath of practice similar to medical profession to curb discrimination in practice, especially, on sexual orientation.