Walking together on the road to equality

We, Germany´s and Mexico´s Ambassadors to the Philippines, stand united in our commitment to human rights and equality. Our countries currently co-chair the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), a collaborative mechanism that includes 44 countries and a global network of hundreds of civil society organizations. Since its creation in 2016, the ERC has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights internationally.

Promoting anti-discrimination of LGBTQIA+ persons is crucial for any open and democratic society. LGBTQIA+ individuals, like every person, have the right to live free from discrimination and prejudice. A person’s self-defined gender identity is fundamental to their personhood and is one of the most basic aspects of dignity, freedom and self-determination.

Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people has harmful effects not only for this collective, but also for the societies to which they belong, by limiting their full participation in the political, social and economic life of the country and, therefore, limiting its development. The ERC Conference in Berlin, to be held on 17-18 December 2024, under the theme “Countering the Backlash,” will be an opportunity to address the current challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community and identify ways to collaborate and support them in overcoming them.

Germany and Mexico have both traveled long, challenging and still unfinished roads towards LGBTQIA+ equality. Our two nations have their own paths to guaranteeing the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, through legislation, with the introduction and reforming of laws and constitutions, and through the judiciary. Historically, both our countries experienced periods of persecution and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, through sustained advocacy, legal reforms and societal shifts, we have made important strides in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights.

Our experiences demonstrate that progress towards the recognition and protection of LGBTQIA+ groups requires a multi-faceted and intersectional approach. Inclusive education plays a crucial role in challenging harmful stereotypes and fostering LGBTQIA+ understanding and acceptance. But on the path to equality, the enactment of legislation is essential, as it provides legal certainty, which translates into public policy and a culture of respect and tolerance.

Although there have been significant advances in recent years in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, however, there is still work to be done to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with dignity and respect. Within the Philippines, the ERC, co-chaired by Mexico and Germany, has been promoting dialogue between LGBTQIA+ organizations and relevant stakeholders throughout 2024, seeking to raise the visibility of LGBTQIA+ collective and its contributions. As co-chairs, we echo their efforts to have laws that include and protect all people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC).

The commitment to “leave no one behind,” assumed by our countries in the framework of the 2030 Agenda, is more present today than ever, given the need to advance in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 10 “Reducing Inequalities” due to income, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation.

By prioritizing these LGBTQIA+ rights and taking concrete steps to address discrimination, countries can send a powerful message of inclusivity and equality. Key players in the government and the private sector being proactive on equal rights protection can send a strong signal that leaders could serve as beacons of change. Mexico and Germany will continue to enhance our efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ rights and build societies where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. We call on all countries to join us in this mission.

LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and as such deserve the protection provided by our legal frameworks. Let us walk together as societies and as nations on the road to equality, to a world free of discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice, where we can all be who we are and reach our full potential.

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Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke is the German Ambassador to the Philippines. Daniel Hernandez Joseph is the Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines.