Global Affairs Canada and the diplomatic community in Ottawa, including the Australian High Commission, the Embassy of Austria, the Embassy of Belgium, the Embassy of Chile, the Embassy of Colombia, High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Canada, the Embassy of Denmark, the Embassy of Estonia, the Delegation of the European Union, the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of France, the Embassy of Germany, the Embassy of Greece, the Embassy of Iceland, the Embassy of Ireland, the Embassy of Latvia, the Malta High Commission, the Embassy of Mexico, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Norway, the Embassy of Poland, the Embassy of Portugal, the Embassy of Slovenia, the Embassy of Spain, the Embassy of Sweden, the Embassy of Switzerland, the Embassy of Thailand, the British High Commission Ottawa, and the Embassy of Uruguay, today issued the following statement:
We, Canada and the undersigned diplomatic missions, join together once again as Diplomats for Equality to express our solidarity and support for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and all other sex- and gender-diverse persons in Canada and around the world.
As the Equal Rights Coalition marks its tenth anniversary in 2026, we recognize its ongoing contributions to advancing the human rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people and promoting inclusive development around the world. The coalitioncontinues to bring together governments, multilateral institutions, civil society organizations and activists in support of these efforts. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring access to justice and equal protection for all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
Human rights, and the principles of dignity and equality, are universal and inalienable: they belong to everyone without exception. Yet today, 2SLGBTQI+ communities and individuals globally are facing growing hostility, targeted disinformation, hate speech, hate crimes and discrimination both online and offline. Consensual same-sex sexual acts remain criminalized in over 60 countries-with several prescribing the death penalty-while new legislative attempts around the world actively seek to restrict advocacy, endanger lives and curtail access to gender-affirming health care.
Protecting human rights is essential to strengthening democracy, social cohesion and the well-being of all. We stand firmly against restrictions on 2SLGBTQI+ rights, denounce the inhumane tightening of laws and offer active solidarity and assistance to those affected in concerned jurisdictions, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Inclusive, free and pluralistic societies are inherently more prosperous, peaceful and secure, making them best equipped to address complex geopolitical challenges. Under this year's Capital Pride theme, Together We Shine, we emphasize that our collective strength lies in our unity and shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In this spirit, we honour the bravery of human rights defenders, activists, journalists, civil society groups and allies who tirelessly advocate for equality.
As representatives of our respective governments and institutions, we listen, learn and remain committed to combatting homophobia, biphobia, interphobia and transphobia at home and abroad. Diverse, yet united, we stand ready to work together-within and beyond the Ottawa diplomatic community-to combat injustice, safeguard fundamental freedoms and ensure that everyone can live freely and authentically.
