Thematic Working Groups

The Donor Coordination Group focuses on increasing the level of funding in support of work to promote and protect the rights of LGBTI persons, as well as integrating the needs of LGBTI persons into development programming and different aspects of diplomacy and international cooperation, always abiding by the principle of “do no harm”. The Group is currently chaired by the United Kingdom together with MOLI and Synergia IHR.

The International Diplomacy Group serves as a powerful space for Member States and CSO to come together to discuss and learn about the ways LGBTI communities continue to face criminalisation, violence, and discrimination around the world. It promotes a forum for States and CSO to work together to encourage progress through diplomatic engagement, sharing information and best practices, engaging with civil society, and promoting private and public support for progress on LGBTI rights. This Group is currently chaired by Chile and AFDA.

The National Laws and Policies Group is focused on promoting legislation that furthers the rights and protections of LGBTI persons by sharing information and case studies on the subject matter, recognizing that public policy of States and regions has a great impact on the daily lives of LGBTI persons, and are vital in safeguarding the human rights of LGBTI persons and promoting inclusive development across the world. It is currently chaired by Malta and OTD Chile.

The Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda Group focuses on the importance of these mechanisms for States, civil society, multilaterals, and other stakeholders work to achieve a better and more sustainable and inclusive future for all. The Goals are intended to be achieved by 2030, and proactive work to move the goals forward in terms of inclusive development is vital. The Group is currently chaired by PromSex.

The Humanitarian Protection Group recognizes the repeated calls from ERC Member States to establish a space for dialogue on the specific humanitarian protection needs of LGBTQI+ people, acknowledging the growing impact of the anti-gender movement in generating crises that disproportionately affect these populations. As such, this group is a specialized space within the ERC system to address the critical protection challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in humanitarian crisis contexts, including armed conflicts, forced displacement, natural disasters, and climate-related emergencies. The Group is chaired by Mexico and Rainbow Railroad.