Protecting Queer Human Rights against Global Backlash – the Responsibility of German Development Cooperation

In many countries, LGBTIQ+ people face an alarming increase in discrimination, exclusion, and violence. Their human rights are under threat– whether through restrictive laws, political agitation, or stigmatization.

German development cooperation has a responsibility to promote and respect the human rights of queer people globally– for example, through targeted support for local human rights initiatives, political advocacy, or the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people into development programs.

This international conference takes a critical look at the current global backlash and its consequences for queer movements worldwide. International speakers will present good practices, examples and lessons learned from project work in Ghana and the Balkans. The panel will discuss current challenges for the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people in a global context, and offer recommendations for German development cooperation.

An event organised by Engagement Global in cooperation with the Heinrich Böll

Foundation and the Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation, taking place as part of the Program Development related Education in Germany (EBD).

The event will be held in English and German with simultaneous interpretation.

Registration is requested: Online registration - Engagement Global

Further information about the event: Event detail - Engagement Global

Please direct any questions or inquiries to:

Claudia Trippe

Claudia.Trippe@engagement-global.de

030 -254821211

Berlin branch office of Engagement Global

Schedule

Time Agenda

16:00h Opening and welcome 

16:10h Keynote by Dr. Julia Ehrt 

(Executive Director ILGA World - International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association World)        

16:30h Workshops (parallel)

1. The Pink Factor: Geopolitics from a queer perspective

with Sarah Kohrt (Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation) in conversation with Gloria (Activist from Ghana)

2. Regional empowerment work for the trans*community in the Western Balkans:

With Aleksa Milanović (TransNetworkBalkans)

3. Queer human rights work despite shrinking funds: How can human rights work for LGBTIQ* people be financed in a sustainable and stable manner? 

With Daniyar Orseko (TGEU - Trans Europe and Central Asia)

17:30h Pause

17:45h Panel: Now more than ever! – Empowering queer actors worldwide as part of resilient democracies

• Lana Damm (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development)
• Klaus Jetz (Executive Director, LSVD+, Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation)
• Aleksa Milanović (Trans Network Balkans)
• Farina Hoffmann (Bread for the World)

18:45h Conclusion and outlook

19:00h Informal closing with snacks and drinks

Moderation: Margaux Richet