August 19, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

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 Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of Brazil, the British High Commission Ottawa, the Embassy of Chile, the Embassy of Colombia, 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 Honduras, the Embassy of Iceland, the Embassy of Ireland, the Embassy of Latvia, the Embassy of Lithuania, the Embassy of Luxembourg, the Malta High Commission, the Embassy of Mexico, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the New Zealand High Commission, the Embassy of Norway, the Embassy of Portugal, the Embassy of Slovenia, the Embassy of Spain, the Embassy of Sweden, the Embassy of Switzerland and the Embassy of Uruguay, today issued the following statement:

“We, Canada and the undersigned Diplomatic Missions, stand united as Diplomats for Equality to affirm our steadfast commitment to the rights, dignity and inclusion of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and all other sexually and gender-diverse persons in Canada and around the world.

“At a time of growing division and polarization, it is more important than ever to reaffirm that human rights are universal, indivisible, and non-negotiable. No one should face discrimination, violence or exclusion because of who they are or whom they love.

“Globally, we are witnessing an alarming surge in anti-2SLGBTQI+ rhetoric, disinformation and regressive legislation, with efforts to limit gender expression, restrict access to healthcare and criminalize advocacy.

“We are particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact on young people, who continue to face higher rates of violence, mental health challenges and homelessness. The risks are compounded for those who live at the intersection of multiple identities, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized and migrant communities.

“In the face of these challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting human rights through multilateral cooperation, international institutions and strong partnerships with civil society. Established in 2016, the Equal Rights Coalition, co-chaired by Colombia and Spain for the 2024-2026 term, remains a key platform for coordinating these efforts and advancing a shared vision of global equality.

“This year’s Capital Pride theme, “We Are The Village,” reminds us that community is forged not only by geography, heritage or origin, but by the shared values we uphold. As diplomats, we work across borders to bridge differences, foster dialogue, and build common ground.

“The right to live free from discrimination, violence, and fear—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, expression or sex characteristics—is a fundamental freedom to which all are entitled.

“We are proud to stand together to ensure that no one is left behind.”