France, Oct. 12 -- The fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will take place in Senegal's capital, Dakar, between 31 October and 13 November.

It will feature nearly 3,000 athletes aged 17 and under in 25 sports, ranging from archery and athletics to Baseball5 and beach handball.

But as the city gears up for the prestigious moment, human rights groups say the government's approach to diversity and inclusivity flouts the principles of the Olympic movement.

In March, Senegal's parliament amended article 319 of the penal code, doubling the maximum penalty for consensual same-sex conduct from five to 10 years in prison. It also criminalised the promotion of, or support for, LGBT people and organisations.

Nationwide arrests

The amendment...