The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia:
The world has just celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which says, 'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.' This year's theme-No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice For All- reflects that.
"2SLGBTQI+ people and communities are not asking for special rights-they want to enjoy the same human rights as everyone else. Everyone deserves to feel safe and to be their authentic true selves, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
"The promotion and protection of the human rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people is a foreign policy priority for Canada, and we work at both the multilateral and bilateral levels to promote and protect these rights.
"This is why Canada is committed to advancing human rights and inclusion for 2SLGBTQI+ people in developing countries through its LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program. Through this program, the government is providing $30 million in international assistance funding over 5 years, and $10 million each year thereafter.
"At a time of rising anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate around the world, these investments enable Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to collaborate with partners in developing countries, support local organizations and equality movements and invest in multilateral initiatives that contribute to policy, advocacy and research efforts. Canada will continue to play a leading role in standing up for a brighter, more inclusive future for 2SLGBTQI+ people at home and around the world.
"As part of its trade diversification strategy, Canada pursues an inclusive approach that seeks to ensure that the benefits of trade are more widely shared, including with traditionally under-represented groups in trade including 2SLGBTQI+ people, women, small and medium sized enterprises and Indigenous Peoples.
"Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and together we will continue to build a better future for everyone. It is only through solidarity that we will create a world without injustice, one that fulfills the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, where no one is left behind."
