Belgium to strengthen LGBTI organizations in the South

The Belgian Development Cooperation will support organizations who stand up for LGBTI rights in the South. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo made the announcement at the ILGA-Europe Conference which takes place in Brussels over the next four days. The ILGA-Europe conference is the largest gathering of LGBTI activists in Europe.

In total, Minister De Croo provides € 500,000 to support LGBTI organizations who are working to improve the rights of the LGBTI community in developing countries.

Support for promotion of LGBTI rights

The support will go to organizations which are committed to protecting and promoting the human rights of the local LGBTI communities as well as to efforts against the underlying factors provoking violence against LGBTI-people and leading to oppression.

Alexander De Croo: “It is our duty to promote equal rights and combat discrimination. In far too many countries people still live in fear only because of who they are and whom they love. Belgium wants to support organizations and activists who, often at risk of their own lives, fight for something that is bigger than themselves.“

Increasing violence in Europe

During his opening speech at the ILGA-Europe conference, Minister De Croo also warned against the increasing violence in Europe towards gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders. “Even in Europe, there is still a gap between the fundamental rights as written down in the Charter of the European Union and the reality that the LGBTI community is facing. LGBTI people are too often still victim of discrimination, hate speech and physical violence. Belgium has always been one of the leading countries on the subject of LGBTI rights. We will continue to take on this role, also internationally.“