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The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC)
The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) is an intergovernmental body of 44 Member States dedicated to the protection of the rights of LGBTI persons. Member States provide leadership by actively engaging in thematic groups and commit to working closely with LGBTI civil society organisations who meet regularly as part of thematic groups.
Equal Rights Coalition’s History
The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) was founded in 2016 at the Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference in Montevideo, under the leadership of Uruguay and the Netherlands, and is dedicated to the protection of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons, and the promotion of inclusive development.
The Co-Chairs
The ERC is currently co-chaired by the governments of Germany and Mexico, for the 2022-24 period. The State Co-Chairs are supported by Civil Society Co-Chairs, who for this term are LSVD for Germany and Fundación Arcoiris for Mexico.
Thematic areas
These thematic areas each have working groups which afford a regular opportunity for Member States, INGOs and civil society to engage in close dialogue.
Donor Coordination
Collaboration of governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to increase and improve the level of sustainable funding for the promotion and protection of LGBTI human rights.
International Diplomacy
Coordination of Member States and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and communication in advancing LGBTI human rights and inclusive development.
National Laws & Policies
Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders working to encourage the development of progressive legislation and policies.
SDGs and 2030 Agenda
Coordinating on how the Global Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development can be used to benefit LGBTI communities across the globe.
ERC conferences
Montevideo 2016
The Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference at which the ERC was formally launched, under the leadership of Uruguay and the Netherlands.
Vancouver 2018
Leaving No-One Behind: the ERC Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development, which built on the progress of the ERC.
Buenos Aires 2022
An ERC conference to deliver on the ERC’s strategic priorities and discuss cross-cutting issues related to LGBTI rights.
