Assisting Human Rights Defenders on the ground: LGBTI Inclusion in Foreign Policy and international development (best practices)

By implementing an inclusive foreign policy, governments can support LGBTI human rights work undertaken by civil society. Particular attention to specific vulnerabilities and multiple forms of discrimination in international development work, can help realise equal rights for LGBTI persons and combat discrimination on the grounds of SOGI. The push for an inclusive foreign policy is often strongly supported by civil society. Translating advocacy into policy and policy into a National Action Plan is a process that takes time and deliberation.

In cooperation with OutRight Action International and OHCHR, Germany, the Netherlands and Argentina are taking the occasion of #PrideMonth to discuss LGBTI policies and their impact in upholding, protecting and guaranteeing the human rights of LGBTI persons. The recent adoption of the German LGBTI Inclusion Strategy for Foreign Policy and Development Cooperation in one of the examples that will feature in this event. Furthermore, this side event will also present an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen local, regional, supra-regional and international civil-society organizations working on LGBTI rights. The lessons learned and best practises shared could enable or intensify further bilateral, regional and multilateral dialogue on how to encourage others and put these policies and strategies into action. The event is open to the public and brings together representatives from civil society, international organisations, and governments.

WANN: Dienstag, den 29.06. 19:00-20:30 Uhr (1-2.30 EST, Eastern Standard Time)

Discussion questions

• How can LGBTI inclusion be realized in government policies and put into action?
• How could an intersectionality lens be applied?
• Which alliances and emerging best practices are needed to respond to discriminatory policies? What is the role of civil society?

LINK ZUR ANMELDUNG

BACKGROUND

Germany

Germany supports and promotes the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in foreign policy and development cooperation. The German Federal Government adopted a LGBTI Inclusion Strategy on 3 March 2021, drafted in close cooperation with civil society. It makes the German engagement towards realising equal rights for LGBTI people and combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) more visible, strategic and accountable.

Netherlands

Promoting equal rights of LGBTI persons is one of the main priorities of the human rights policy of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is working in particular to abolish the criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity, combat discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons and promote their social acceptance. The Netherlands works closely with partners in civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Argentina

Argentina is fully committed to fighting all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2010, Argentina passed the Equal Marriage Law, making it the first country in Latin America and the tenth in the world to allow same-sex marriages to be held throughout its territory. In 2012, the enactment of the Gender Identity Act has been a ground-breaking law and a fundamental step in the acknowledgment of the right of every person to recognize their self-perceived gender identity and to receive a dignified treatment. In 2020, the Decree 721/2020, established the Trans Labor Quota in the public sector, which guarantees a minimum of 1% of all positions and contracts for transsexuals, transvestites and transgender people. Following this Decree, the Lower House of the National Congress passed the Bill for the Promotion of Access to Formal Employment for Transvestites, Transsexuals and Transgender Persons, which is currently being treated by the Senate. 

AGENDA

Welcoming remarks

• Germany: Minister of State for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office, Michael Roth

Keynote

• OHCHR, UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity: Victor Madrigal-Borloz

Panel discussion with each country representative and civil society representative

Moderated by Jessica Stern, OutRight Action International, New York

Argentina

• Alba Rueda, Undersecretary for Diversity Policies, Ministry of Women, Genders and Diversity
• Andrea Rivas (they/them), Co-founder and President of Familias Diversas de Argentina (AFDA)

Netherlands

• Yoka Brandt, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Expert (insert name), Representative from NGO COC

Germany

• Hannah Rau, Expert and LGBTI focal point in the Federal Foreign Office
• Klaus Jetz, Executive Director, Lesbian and Gay Federation (LSVD), Germany

Q&A

Closing

The event is open to all member states and civil society representatives. Spanish translation will be available.