OTTAWA – The former American diplomat in charge of LGBTQ+ rights urged Canada to strengthen its support for sexual and gender minorities abroad, as the threat of a reduction in American foreign aid loomed over a conference on development and human rights held this week in Ottawa.
During the event, a minister from the South African government urged Canada to stand firm against efforts by the government of President Donald Trump to undermine human rights globally.
Jessica Stern, appointed by former American President Joe Biden as U.S. special envoy for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people, spoke to La Presse Canadienne on the sidelines of the Ottawa Summit on Civic Space.
She stated that there was a funding and defense deficit left by Donald Trump, which undermines work on behalf of LGBTQ+ people abroad.
“Canada has everything to gain by filling this void and showing what it stands for,” Stern supported. “There are not enough countries in the world defending LGBTQI issues. Consequently, Canada plays an outsized role.”
Stern’s call was not isolated.
Steve Letsike, South Africa’s minister responsible for women, youth, and people with disabilities, stated that her country is striving to defend human rights on the continent in the face of a coordinated global movement seeking to undermine them. She added that Canada could provide assistance.
“We are witnessing a rise in anti-rights, anti-gender, and anti-democracy forces. They are well-organized and have significant resources. They are learning tactics and strategies,” she said.
“It is very important that we, as progressives who want to see a just world and a better world, strengthen the locks, tighten them well, to ensure we do not jeopardize democracy achievements everywhere,” she added.
(Context: The content discusses the advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of international support. Fact Check: No false statements found in the content.)
