Who we are

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.

Overview

Since the founding in 2016, ERC Member States, Civil Society Organisations, and Multilateral Organisations have worked together to take action – through public pronouncements and diplomatic intervention – when we have witnessed LGBTI persons facing abuses and violations of their human rights. At the same time, we have welcomed the positive steps made by governments, legislatures, and courts around the world in combating discrimination and strengthening protections for the human rights of LGBTI persons.

Since 2016 we have also expanded membership of the ERC, which now covers 42 Member States across Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and the Pacific. As members, they have confirmed their commitment to progressing LGBTI rights, both domestically and internationally, adhering to the founding principles and subsequent commitments of the ERC, and engaging in the work of the Coalition.

Founding Principles

The Founding Principles of the ERC are:

Recalling

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Recalling the affirmation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status;

Affirming

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Expressing

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Welcoming

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Stressing

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Recognising

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We, as participating States, commit to:

Strengthening cooperation

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Strengthening cooperation in, coordination of and communication about our efforts to advance the human rights of, and support inclusive development for, all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics;

Establishing a coalition

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Building bridges

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Consulting closely

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Working together

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report

Buenos Aires 2022 Conference Report

30 November 2022

report

ERC Pre-Conference Report 2022

08 September 2022

Research Briefing

Anti-Gender Movement Background Paper

08 September 2022

Webinar

National Laws & Policies: LGBTI Refugees

08 April 2022

videos

National Laws & Policies: LGBTI Refugees

08 April 2022

Webinar

National Laws & Policies: Legal Gender Recognition

03 December 2021

Statement

Statement by the Equal Rights Coalition on the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda

29 May 2023

Statement

ERC Statement to mark this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

15 May 2023

Statement

ERC Statement on decriminalization of consensual sex between men in Singapore

02 December 2022

Statement

ERC Statement on Russia

24 November 2022

Statement

ERC Statement on the shootings in Bratislava

19 October 2022

Declaration

ERC 2022 Global LGBTI Conference Declaration

09 September 2022