New York Declaration

The following declaration was signed by a delegation of elected representatives at our launch event at the United Nations on 21 June 2019. It composes the Founding Core Principles of the Global Equality Caucus.

 1 - We, the undersigned, being political representatives of peoples from around the world, REAFFIRM that:

a.     all human rights are universal and indivisible, and the international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner;

b.     all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, without distinction of any kind; 

c.     acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics are wrong and must end.

2 - We therefore COMMIT to hold to account our governments and relevant regional and international bodies, and call for appropriate action to ensure:

a.     an end to violence, by state actors or others, against people on the grounds of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics;

b.     an end to repressive laws which criminalise consensual same-sex behaviour;

c.     an end to discrimination and unequal treatment based on sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics;

d.     access to suitable healthcare, including HIV treatment and prevention services, for all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics;

e.     support is made available to non-governmental bodies and civil society who advocate for those who face such discrimination.

3 - And to that end we AGREE to:

a.     set up a Global Equality Caucus to advocate for equality for all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics;

b.     use our collective political voice to change laws, hold governments to account and amplify the campaigns of others;

c.     work in partnership with official bodies, National Human Rights Institutions, non-governmental organisations and corporations to bring about change;

d.     offer support across legislatures, be non-partisan and globally balanced in our membership and approach;

e.     work towards the end of violence and discrimination against people based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.