Pride in London 2026 – Diplomats for Equality Joint Statement
July 3, 2026
We, the undersigned Heads of Diplomatic Missions in the United Kingdom, come together once again to support Pride in London and to reaffirm our continued commitment to defending the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and other diverse persons (LGBTIQ+) in the United Kingdom and around the world.
We highlight the vital importance of solidarity, resilience, and collective action in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights. Throughout history, LGBTIQ+ communities have been at the forefront of confronting injustice, and their strength remains essential in today’s global context.
At the core of democracy, it is essential to recognise that no society can be complete without equality, dignity, and the full inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons. This principle also celebrates the contributions of human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and the millions of allies who continue to support equality and diversity across the world.
Despite significant progress, LGBTIQ+ persons continue to face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, violence, and legal persecution worldwide. We are particularly concerned by the ongoing criminalisation of consensual same-sex relations, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare and sexual and reproductive rights. Decriminalisation and the protection of inclusive rights are crucial steps toward ensuring dignity, liberty, and equality for all.
We urge countries to introduce or amend legislation, policies, and practices to remove structural barriers and protect LGBTIQ+ persons from all multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, in full accordance with international human rights law.
In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting human rights through multilateral cooperation, international institutions, and strong partnerships with civil society. The Equal Rights Coalition, established in 2016, continues to be a key platform for coordinating these efforts and advancing a shared vision of global equality.
At a time of rising challenges worldwide, it is essential that we uphold and strengthen our commitments to gender equality and the full realisation of human rights for all. Protecting these rights is not only a matter of justice but also fundamental to democracy, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Inclusive societies that respect and protect diversity are stronger, more equal, more peaceful, and more resilient. We pledge our ongoing support to all who defend these values, and to ensuring that no one is marginalised or criminalised for their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.
Today, as we celebrate Pride in London, we reaffirm that LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights, and stand united in our determination to build a freer, fairer, and more compassionate world for all.
SIGNATORIES (in alphabetical order):
Australia H.E. Jay Weatherill
Austria H.E. Bernhard Wrabetz
Belgium H.E. Jeroen Cooreman
Canada H.E. William Blair
Colombia H.E. Laura Sarabia
Chile Francisco Bartolucci (Chargé d'affaires ad interim)
Cyprus H.E. Dr. Kyriacos Kouros
Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom H.E. Pedro Serrano
Denmark H.E. Kristina Miskowiak Beckvard
Estonia H.E. Sven Sakkov
Finland H.E. Teemu Turunen
France H.E. Hélène Duchêne
Iceland H.E. Sturla Sigurjónsson
Israel Mrs. Daniela Grudsky-Ekstein (Chargé d'affaires)
Luxembourg H.E. Georges Friden
Malta H.E. Stephen Montefort
Mexico H.E. Alejandro Gertz Manero (Chair Diplomats for Equality)
Norway H. E. Tore Hattrem
Poland Rafał Wiśniewski (Chargé d'affaires ad interim, Ambassador Designated)
Portugal H. E. Nuno Brito
Slovenia H.E. Sanja Štiglic
Spain H.E. Emma Aparici Vázquez de Parga
Sweden H.E. Stefan Gullgren
The Netherlands H. E. Paul Huijts
