Mathilde Doucet (LWB Canada) and Tiara Barrientos (SOMOS CDC)
From May 6 to 9, Lawyers Without Borders Canada (LWB Canada) and its Honduran partner, SOMOS CDC, participated in the roundtable discussions of the Dignity Network in Ottawa. This event brought together civil society organizations from various countries working to promote human rights related to sexual orientation, sexual characteristics, as well as gender identity and expression, who benefit from Canada’s financial support.
A Unifying Event in Ottawa
About fifty Canadian and international organizations working to advance the human rights of sexual and gender diverse people, including LWB Canada and its Honduran partner SOMOS CDC, participated last week in the Dignity Network Canada Roundtable. Meetings with parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government, conferences, workshops, and networking activities were held. It was a significant unifying moment in a context marked by increasing intolerance in various regions of the world, including Canada.
LWB Canada and its partner SOMOS CDC shared the stage to present the results of their joint project “Together for Equality.” This project aims to promote the adoption of public policies in line with international human rights standards and contribute to greater participation by strong, representative, and committed civil society organizations (CSOs) to drive systemic changes in favor of LGBTQI rights. These goals are pursued through strategic litigation, organizational capacity building, and the creation of collaborative spaces.
Promoting Sexual and Gender Diversity Rights Beyond Our Borders
It’s important to remember that the rights of sexual and gender diverse people are not new rights. They are the same rights outlined in international and regional instruments that have already been ratified and widely accepted by states. In this regard, the experience of Lawyers Without Borders
Canada was especially valued at the roundtable discussions, drawing on both legal arguments and field experience.
In Honduras, the strengthening of civil society organizations’ capacities is a collaborative effort with SOMOS CDC, and the learning experiences are manifold. Despite significant institutional challenges such as corruption and influence peddling, local progress has been made through advocacy, coordination among organizations, and strategic litigation. One early outcome of the project is the adoption of a municipal non-discrimination policy in the city of Puerto Cortés in April 2024.
A Call to Action for the Canadian Government
Meetings between civil society organizations and government members, including Minister Mélanie Joly, served as a reminder to the government to uphold its obligations and commitments to defend these rights, both within and beyond its borders. The following day, the government announced new funding to support LGBTQ2 rights.
Lawyers Without Borders Canada’s Contribution
LWB Canada contributes to the implementation of human rights for vulnerable people by enhancing access to justice and legal representation through international cooperation. Learn more.