New report reveals regressions in human rights for trans people in Europe and Central Asia

Recent findings have exposed an “unprecedented reversal” in trans rights across Europe and Central Asia.

On May 13, the Trans Europe and Central Asia (TGEU) organisation unveiled its Trans Rights & Map 2025 report, which “details country-specific criteria for legal gender recognition, protections for transgender asylum seekers, hate crime and speech laws, among other aspects.”

For the first time since the report’s inception 13 years ago, regressions in human rights for trans individuals in Central Asia and Europe have surpassed advancements, according to ‘Gay Times’.

Out of the 54 nations in these regions, merely 39 have established legal or administrative frameworks that allow trans people to achieve legal gender recognition. Among these, 24 require a mental health diagnosis, 12 mandate sterilisation, and 12 base legal gender recognition procedures on self-determination.

As for trans asylum seekers, only 27 out of the 54 evaluated countries extend explicit international protection based on gender identity.

The analysis of hate speech and crimes revealed that 24 countries have legislations prohibiting hate crimes against trans people, with 16 of these being European Union member states.

Regarding non-discrimination policies, merely 20 of the 27 EU member states offer protection against employment discrimination based on gender identity.

In the 27 EU member states, 17 protect against discrimination concerning access to goods and services on gender identity grounds, while only 15 guard against housing discrimination based on gender identity. Notably, Iceland and Malta are the only countries that have effectively de-medicalised trans identities, and 10 of the 54 reviewed states ban conversion practices on gender identity grounds.

TGEU senior research officer Freya Watkins stated, “The data confirms what transgender individuals have been conveying and experiencing. It indicates historically low progress and historically high stagnation.”

“In 2025, there was more than double the regression compared to progress on our Map. This is the first instance in the 13-year history of the project where more rights have been revoked than gained.”

Echoing similar views, TGEU Executive Director Ymania Brown urged the EU to “actively protect the dignity and human rights of transgender people by adopting an ambitious EU LGBTIQ Strategy.”

“Despite the stark deterioration in the situation for transgender individuals, numerous political leaders hinder progress and refrain from solidarity actions—as if this could deter the assault. Quite the contrary. Moving forward is the only way to halt the assault on our rights and values,” Brown remarked.

“How the EU addresses this threat within its borders sets a global precedent. In Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, human rights protections are visibly dwindling. This is a pivotal moment. Europe can choose to defend or lead, but it cannot remain passive. Dignity is non-negotiable. Equality is non-negotiable. Most importantly, freedom must not be exclusive.”

The recent report emerges at a time when trans individuals globally are encountering mounting scrutiny and attacks from political figures and conservative leaders worldwide.

From the UK Supreme Court’s decision to exclude trans women from the legal definition of womanhood to the 47th President of the United States enacting several anti-trans executive orders, the rights of trans individuals are being undermined from all corners.