The Equal Rights Coalition condemns the persecution of LGBTIQ+ activists as a violation of human rights
The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) condemns the arbitrary arrest, persecution, and wider criminalization of LGBTIQ+ activists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations globally under the pretext of protecting children, adolescents, or the family. This persecution is often exacerbated by measures and pressure on the legitimate activities of activists, including the blocking of websites and social media platforms, raids on homes and offices, arrests, and the seizure of electronic devices.
The ERC is concerned about the global rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric that falsely presents LGBTIQ+ people and identities as part of a movement that threatens traditional values, families, and the safety of women and children. Further, we affirm there is no acceptable reason for the persecution of human rights defenders. We emphasize that advocating for the principles of equality and non-discrimination is protected under the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association under international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights.
The ERC urges all States to uphold the Rule of Law, the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, and commitments made to regional and international human rights instruments and mechanisms. The ERC would further like to emphasize that the strongest, safest and most prosperous societies are those where the rights of all to live freely without violence or discrimination are upheld.
The Equal Rights Coalition urges public authorities to act as quickly as possible to ensure that legitimate civil society activities, international cooperation, and the receipt of lawful domestic or international funding are not criminalized or used as a basis for intimidating the LGBTIQ+ population. We also call on international and regional human rights mechanisms to ensure that human rights violations and abuses against LGBTIQ+ individuals, activists, and human rights defenders are promptly monitored and acted upon in line with protections established within international law.
All States must take steps to ensure the rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association, and peaceful assembly are fully upheld for all.
This has been signed as of October 7, 2026 by Albania, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.