Forward Momentum: Annual Report 2013–2014
Highlights of our work in Canada and around the world from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.
Publication Topic : 2SLGBTQ+ Rights
Joint NGO Statement: Item 8 General Debate, Human Rights Council, 26th session, June 2014
“Three years ago, this Council adopted its first resolution on sexual orientation, gender identity and human rights. Around the world however, members of our communities still face violence and discrimination because of our sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or intersex status.”
Open Letter to the Government of Canada re: Urgent action to prevent further human rights violations against LGBTQ people and end hate laws
“We welcome your public statements as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs condemning the adoption of anti‐LGBTQ laws in Russia, Nigeria and Uganda…. However, such statements are not enough…. We therefore call upon the Government of Canada to act, individually and in concert with other like‐minded governments, to defend the fundamental human rights of LGBTQ people. … Read more
Joint statement at 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council re: Challenges and proposals for strengthening civil society space
“[W]hen States fail to guarantee civil society space, activists often turn to the UN. When that avenue too is closed by intimidation and violence, we must speak out. I [urge] the Council, and the UN as a whole, to ensure a stronger, practical response to reprisals, and thus lead by example in protecting civil society … Read more
Joint statement to UN Special Rapporteurs re: Intersex issues
This joint statement to the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, was delivered on behalf of several intersex NGOs from around the world at the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Joint letter to UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé re: Russia and the Fourth Conference on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
“On behalf of advocates for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), we write to express our concerns about the Fourth Conference on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECAAC) which is being organized with great influence from its host, the government of the Russian … Read more
Civil Society letter to Canadian Senate re: support of Bill C-279: An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (Gender Identity)
“The following organizations, representing a broad cross section of civil society groups from across Canada, urge the Senate to pass Bill C-279, the Gender Identity Bill, as drafted and without delay, to ensure that the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Criminal Code protect the human rights of all people in Canada.”
Letter to President of the Republic of Uganda H.E. Kaguta Yoweri Museveni re: Anti-Homosexuality Bill
“On behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, and our more than 100 members, I write to express our deep dismay at recent reports that you are planning to sign into law the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009 that was passed by Parliament in December of last year.”