UK's diplomatic network steps-up efforts on LGBTQ+ rights
International negotiations and collaboration are already underway for this summer’s Safe To Be Me Conference
Ahead of this summer’s Safe To Be Me Conference, all United Kingdom (UK) diplomatic missions have stepped-up efforts to advance LGBTQ+ rights. Working with friends and allies across the globe, the UK is seeking to accelerate progress and help create the conditions for greater equality and freedoms for LGBT+ people.
The UK already delivers a range of global projects to defend the human rights of LGBT+ people, with programs that tackle discrimination and hate crime running across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Most recently, this included work to evacuate LGBTQ+ people from Afghanistan under threat from the Taliban.
This year, diplomats have ramped up their close engagement with governments and stakeholders across the world, including with groups such as the Equal Rights Coalition, the European LGBTI Focal Points Network, and the UN LGBTI Core Group. This work has the potential to help deliver the next chapter in LGBT+ history.
The Safe To Be Me Conference, which will take place in London from 29 June to 1 July, will focus on delivering positive international action on four key aims: To tackle violence and discrimination by bringing communities and leaders together to agree on new plans and how to target funding to apply these globally; to advance decriminalization and legal protections by accelerating progress on legislative reform and creating the conditions for greater equality; to ensure inclusive access to public services by enabling delegates to share lessons and make commitments on key issues, such as access to healthcare and HIV/AIDS programs; and to make the business and economic case for equality by identifying best practice, strengthening advocacy and supporting businesses to take up the mantle of change, including ensuring international standards on LGBT+ inclusive practices are upheld.
“The UK is a champion for the rights of LGBT+ people across the globe. We are working with human rights experts, grassroots civil society groups, community leaders, businesses and activists to help deliver a step change on this issue in the Philippines and around the world,” British Embassy Manila’s chargé d’affaires Alastair Totty, said.
I believe the conference represents a powerful opportunity for countries to work together to tackle discrimination and violence around the world.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on LGBT+ Rights and chair of the Conference, Nick Herbert (Lord Herbert of South Downs), said: “As co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition and the Council of Europe’s European Governmental LGBTI Focal Points Network, and a member of the UN LGBTI Core Group, the UK stands as a strong advocate for equality. Every person should have a fair opportunity in life, no matter who they are or where they come from. I believe the Conference represents a powerful opportunity for countries to work together to tackle discrimination and violence around the world.”
In 71 jurisdictions around the world, consensual same-sex acts are still illegal. Thirty-five of these are in the Commonwealth. In 11 countries, homosexuality is punishable by death. The Safe To Be Me Conference will provide an opportunity for governments, grassroots activists, and civil society from around the globe to work together to make the case for equality and agree new action.