Canada will host the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) Global Conference on LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver from August 5 to 7, 2018. The conference will bring together ministers, government officials, civil society actors and activists from around the world seeking to build knowledge and networks and advance LGBTI human rights worldwide.

“Everyone deserves to live free of persecution and discrimination – no matter who they are or whom they love. Together with other ERC countries we will work to make that a reality by defending, supporting, and promoting LGBTQ2 rights worldwide.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The Equal Rights Coalition is about full and equal enjoyment of human rights by LGBTI persons everywhere. It is about shared experiences of solidarity, resilience, and audacity. This conference brings together governments and civil society from over 80 countries to express shared values and reinforces our collective determination to move forward. Together, we can make LGBTI human rights for everyone a global reality.”

- Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues

• The ERC is the first-ever intergovernmental forum dedicated to the protection of the rights of LGBTI people. It consists of 39 member states, who work with a number of civil society organizations and international organizations. 

• As of August 3, 2018, the ERC counts the following 39 members: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay. 

• The ERC enables partners to work together to advance the LGBTI human rights agenda internationally, and to shape the development of a new kind of multilateral organization, one that is nimble and closely integrated with civil society.

• In June 2017, Canada and Chile began two-year terms as co-chairs of the ERC. Since then, the two countries have strengthened the institution by expanding its membership and advancing issue-based work to promote LGBTI human rights and inclusive development in cooperation with civil society.

Associated links

• Equal Rights Coalition
• Leaving No One Behind: the Equal Rights Coalition Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
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