Pride in London 2025 — for Equality Joint Statement
We, the undersigned Heads of Diplomatic Missions in the United Kingdom. come together again to support pride in London and to reaffirm our continued commitment to defending the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and other diverse LGBTIQ+ persons in the United Kingdom and around the world.
We highlight the vital importance of solidarity. resilience, and collective action in advancing rights. Throughout history, LGBTIQ Communities have been at the forefront Of confronting injustice. and their Strength remains essential in todays global context.
Despite dignificant progress, LGBTIQ+ persons continue to face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. violence. and legal persecution worWwide_ We are particularly concerned by the ongoing criminalisation of consensual same-sex relations, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and limited access to gender affirming healthcare and sexual and reproductive rights. Decriminalisation and the protection of inclusive rights are crucial steps toward ensuring dignity, liberty, and equality for all.
We urge countries to introduce or amend legislation, policies, and practices to remove structural barriers and protect LGBTIQ persons from all forms of discrimination, in full accordance with international human rights law.
In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting human rights through multilateral cooperation, international institutions, and strong partnerships with civil society. The Equal Rights Coalition, established in 2016, continues to be a key platform for coordinating these efforts and advancing a shared vision of global equality.
At a time of rising challenges worldwide, it is essential that we uphold and strengthen our commitments to gender equality and the full realisation of human rights for all. Protecting these rights is not only a matter of justice but also fundamental to democracy, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Inclusive societies that respect and protect diversity are stronger, more equal, more peaceful, and more resilient. We pledge our ongoing support to all who defend these values, and to ensuring that no one is marginalised or criminalised for their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
Today, as we celebrate Pride in London, we reaffirm that LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights, and stand united in our determination to build a freer, fairer, and more compassionate world for all.
EQUAL RIGHTS COALITION CO-CHAIRS (in alphabetical order):
Colombia Chargée d'Affaires Nancy Benítez Páez
Spain H.E. José Pascual Marco
DIPLOMATS FOR EQUALITY LONDON CHAIR: Mexico H.E. Josefa González-Blanco Ortiz-Mena
SIGNATORIES (in alphabetical order):
Albania H.E. Dr Uran Ferizi
Australia H.E. Stephen Smith
Austria H.E. Bernhard Wrabetz
Belgium H.E. Jeroen Cooreman
Brazil H.E. Antonio de Aguiar Patriota
Canada H.E. Ralph Goodale
Chile H.E. Ximena Fuentes Torrijo
Costa Rica H.E. Rafael Ortiz Fábrega
Cyprus H.E. Kyriacós Kouros
Delegation of the European Union to the UK H.E. Pedro Serrano
Denmark Chargée d'Affaires Rebecca Reichherzer
Estonia H.E. Viljar Lubi
Finland H.E. Jukka Siukosaari
France H.E. Hélène Duchêne
Germany H.E. Miguel Berger
Honduras H.E. Ivan Romero Martinez
Iceland H.E. Sturla Sigurjónsson
Ireland H.E. Martin Fraser
Israel H.E. Tzipi Hotovely
Latvia H.E. Atis Lots
Lithuania Chargée d'Affaires Lina Zigmantaité
Luxembourg H.E. Georges Friden
Malta H.E. Prof Stephen Montefort
Montenegro Chargé d'Affaires Nataša Jovovié
The Netherlands H.E. Paul Huijts
New Zealand Acting High Commissioner Guergana Guermanoff
Norway H.E. Tore Hattrem
Poland H.E. Piotr Wilczek
Portugal H.E. Nuno Brito
Slovenia H.E. Sanja štiglic
Sweden H.E. Stefan Gullgren
Switzerland H.E. Markus Leitner
Thailand H.E. Nadhavathna Krishnamra