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 44 Member States across Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia, 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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Webinar

Gender Recognition and the Anti-Gender Movement

30 October 2024

Webinar

Banning So-Called ‘Conversion Therapies’

09 April 2024

Webinar

Eliminating Harmful Practices against and Promoting Human Rights Protection of Intersex People

29 September 2023

Webinar

Using CEDAW to pursue the decriminalisation of LBTQ people: promising avenues and developments

12 June 2023

report

Buenos Aires 2022 Conference Report

30 November 2022

report

ERC Pre-Conference Report 2022

08 September 2022

Statement

Statement by the Equal Rights Coalition on the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ in Georgia

03 December 2024

Statement

Statement on the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand by the Co-chairs on behalf of the Equal Rights Coalition

10 July 2024

Statement

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2024: Declaration by the Co-chairs on behalf of the Equal Rights Coalition

14 May 2024

Declaration

Equal Rights Coalition launches its Secretariat, hosted by ILGA World

08 May 2024

Statement

ERC statement on the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage and Homoparental Adoption in Greece

26 February 2024

Statement

Statement by the Equal Rights Coalition on the Russian Supreme Court judgment infringing LGBTIQ+ people’s basic human rights 

18 December 2023