International laws on human rights recognize the right to adequate housing for all, regardless of gender, age, or status. This right is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (adopted in 1966). This issue is considered so important that the United Nations has designated a Special Rapporteur to address it. Additionally, in its official statement number 21, the UN has allocated a separate section to homeless individuals.

This document states that certain social groups or individuals may face difficulties in accessing adequate housing due to discrimination or a combination of factors, and governments should pay more attention to these vulnerable groups.

The UN Special Rapporteur on homelessness states, “Perhaps the most visible and severe manifestation of disrespect for the right to adequate housing is homelessness.” Although there is no universal definition for homelessness, the UN has a specific definition for these individuals: “Families without shelter who carry their limited possessions with them and sleep

In continuation, an Iranian homosexual speaks about his life on the street:

Reza, a 33-year-old homosexual resident of Tehran, who has experienced one year of living on the streets of this city, speaks about his experience with Hamed, an activist of the “LGBT” community living in Iran, who has helped make this report possible. Reza has been living independently from his family for 9 years and spent his first year on the streets.

What happened, Reza jan, that you were forced to leave your home?

My family wanted me to get married and they didn’t understand my feelings and desires despite the pressure they put on me. Religious people wanted me to live like them. After years of insistence on marriage, I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to tell my family about my orientation.
My father said to get married. I said I can’t. He asked why. I said my reason is that you don’t understand who I am and you think it’s something bad. He asked for an example.
I said I don’t have any feelings for the opposite gender and I want to have a life with someone of the same gender as me. My father then kindly slapped me on the cheek (smirks) and I was under their pressure for a while. After tests and such.

Did they take you for testing?

Yes, they took me to a legal medical examination to see if there was any sexual damage or not. Then, well, I didn’t have a relationship with anyone until then because I was afraid. Even without my presence, my family went to ask for my hand in marriage and pressured me. I also went separately and talked to the girl’s family and told them that these things were happening on their own and I didn’t want to get married.

For a while, no matter what the situation was, I was getting beaten up. I saw that no one was supporting me. One day, I came home and as soon as I entered the door, they hit me on the head and I passed out. When I came to, I realized that I had been in this state for three days and my hands and feet were in such a condition that I couldn’t even walk around the house for a while. Then I found out that my father and brothers had given me a serious beating while I

After making the decision to leave the house, did you take action?

I decided not to stay at home. I didn’t see any love or understanding, and all they wanted was to impose their beliefs on me. After two or three months of sleeping at home and all the insults and criticism, I left and didn’t want to go to any relatives or friends because there was no one who could help me without any conditions.

The first place that came to my mind was an old cemetery. The walls were made of mud bricks and it was really scary. It was the only place where I could be safe from the judgment of others and the authorities. When I entered the cemetery, I was very scared but I went further and I was very tired and hungry, so I went to sleep between two slightly green graves. It was terrifying, but a voice inside me told me to sleep peacefully because one day we will all be here.

I slept in cemeteries and parks for a whole year. I didn’t have any food. I survived by eating fruits from

Have you seen anyone who has the conditions to sleep on the street?

In the park, I saw people who were like my own feelings. I saw them being harassed or forced for sexual assault.

Were you arrested by the police or Basij?

One night when I was sleeping in the park, as I wanted to experience what it’s like to sleep in the park. The police caught me and I spent a night in the detention center. They were looking for a case against me and it was fortunate that they didn’t understand my orientation. Because if the Iranian police find out that you are gay or trans, they will definitely assault you.
I didn’t show my orientation and I said I was homeless, so they thought I might be a thief or have a case, but they released me in the morning.
If you want to answer this question, have you ever had any sexual encounters during that time?
Since I left home, I tried to stay hidden and always worked and tried not to get involved in sexual activities. I was always looking for someone to be compatible with and live with, but unfortunately it’s not possible in Iran.
Do you know anyone who has been kicked out by their family because of their orientation or gender identity and is

Do you have a last name?

The last thing is that we truly live in a country where no one thinks of us and fear is our constant companion. I hope one day I can live freely beside someone. I wish for a life of freedom for all my feelings.

Thank you for the time you have given to the peace line.