No matter where you live, every human being should have the same fundamental human rights regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is why Canada continues to stand up to promote and protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex (LGBTQ2I) persons around the world.

“LGBTQ2I people around the world deserve the same rights and opportunities as anyone else. This funding will help advance the human rights for LGBTQ21 people and create spaces and opportunities for them in their communities. We need to continue to work with partners like APCOM Foundation, Cuso International and the World Bank group, to help build inclusive, welcome societies where every person has the ability to fully participate while being their true, authentic selves.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“The contribution from Canada fits well with APCOM’s vision of a world where SOGIESC people can fully participate in and achieve sustainable development in all aspects of their health, rights and wellbeing. We are pleased to receive support from Canada that will help strengthen LGBTQI organizations in Asia, and help us further in making the world safe and inclusive for everyone, regardless         of their SOGIESC. Canada’s investment is filling in a funding gap in LGBTQI institutional strengthening, and we hope other donors will follow suit. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Government of Canada to strengthen the already existing structure in the region to better serve and support its country partners working on LGBTQI human rights.”

- Midnight Poonkasetwattana, APCOM Foundation’s Executive Director

« SUCO International défend les droits de la personne partout où nous travaillons et favorise la création de possibilités pour les groupes marginalisés, y compris les communautés LGBTQI. Nous remercions Affaires mondiales Canada et l’Agence suédoise de coopération internationale au développement pour leurs contributions considérables à un projet qui aura une incidence importante sur les moyens de subsistance et les perspectives d’avenir de milliers de jeunes en République démocratique du Congo, qui méritent toutes les chances de réussir. »

- Nicolas Moyer, Cuso International CEO

“Cuso International stands for human rights wherever we work and creating opportunities for marginalized groups, including LGBTQI communities. We are grateful to Global Affairs Canada and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency for their significant contributions to a project that will have an important impact on the livelihoods and future prospects of thousands of youth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who deserve every opportunity to succeed.”

- Nicolas Moyer, Cuso International CEO

“The partnership with Canada, and Global Affairs Canada’s contribution in support of SOGI inclusion to the World Bank’s SSI4ALL Trust Fund, is really a partnership that will substantially define SOGI inclusion as part of inclusive development for many years to come.”

- Clifton Cortez, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Global Advisor, World Bank

• As per commitments made at the Equal Rights Coalition Conference in 2018, Canada is collaborating closely with Canadian civil society to ensure that efforts to implement Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy address the particular barriers faced by LGBTQ2I persons in contributing to and benefiting from sustainable development.

• In 2019, Canada announced the LGBTQ2I international assistance program, which is providing $30 million in dedicated funding over 5 years (2019-2024) and $10 million each year thereafter, to advance human rights and improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQI people in developing countries. This program is being designed and implemented with a human rights-based approach, and is informed by the expertise and advice of Canadian and international stakeholders, such as the Dignity Network Canada.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada announces funding for 3 LGBTQ2I-related projects in developing countries

Associated links

• Canada announces new funds in support of LGBTQ2 rights
• The human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex persons

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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