At The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), our mission is centred on advocating for and advancing the human rights of marginalised communities in Nigeria. We focus on three key areas: Human Rights, Sexual Health and Well-being, and Capacity Building. Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity, free from violence and discrimination.
We exist to protect, uphold and promote the rights and humanity of all Nigerians through advocacy, empowerment, education, and the provision of safe platforms of convergence. We were founded in 2005 as a response to the discrimination and marginalisation of sexual minorities in both HIV prevention programming, human rights protection, advocacy, and mainstream human rights work.
If you are a queer person in Nigeria and you are facing a crisis right now, whether that is an arrest, a threat, a medical emergency, or something that has forced you out of your home, there is a fund that exists specifically to help you. It is called the Edge Emergency Response Fund by The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs).
This post breaks down what the fund covers, who can apply, and how the process works.
What Is the Edge Emergency Response Fund?
TIERs has managed this fund for 11 years. It exists to respond quickly to the kind of crises that queer people in Nigeria face because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. That includes violence or threats from individuals, communities, or the state. The fund covers expenses such as legal representation, medical bills, and temporary relocation costs. It also steps in during unlawful arrests, intending to reduce the number of people who end up coerced into false confessions or pushed through prosecution.
Who Can Apply?
If you are an individual, you can apply if:
- You are a queer person or activist, or you are applying on behalf of one.
- The situation you are reporting involves violence or threats connected to your sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
- Your request is for legal representation, medical bills, relocation logistics, or financial aid for an ongoing situation that is affecting your life right now.
- You have verifiable supporting documents, such as photos, videos, invoices, or references.
If you are an organisation, you can apply if:
- Your organisation is queer-focused.
- You are applying on behalf of an individual (who meets the individual criteria above), or you are requesting funds for organisational safety and security measures, such as staff and community safety trainings or safety infrastructure.
- You have verifiable supporting documents.
What the Edge Emergency Response Fund Does Not Cover
- Replacement of stolen or seized items or gadgets.
- Replacement of stolen funds.
- Applications from individuals or organisations that have already received support twice in a single year.
How Much Support Can You Receive?
Disbursement amounts depend on the type of support:
- Direct support to individuals (welfare and logistics only): 40,000 to 200,000 Naira
- Indirect support (third-party payments, including lawyer fees, medical bills, relocation costs): 40,000 to 1,000,000 Naira
- Direct support to organisations: 100,000 to 2,500,000 Naira
How Does the Review Process Work?
Applications get reviewed within the first 8 hours of the working period. Decisions get made, and funds are disbursed within 24 to 72 hours of receipt. The review goes through three stages:
- Six regional responders review the application, verify documents, and refer it for support.
- An internal response team of two representatives from TIERs’ human rights team reviews referred cases and allocates funds based on available resources and the severity of the situation.
- The head of the response team gives final authorisation.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know needs support, click this to submit your application for the Edge Emergency Response Fund. Cases with clear, verifiable supporting materials move faster through the review process. The fund exists because crises do not wait, and neither should you.