Leaving No One Behind Means Starting at the Back of the Line: LGBTIQ Inclusion in Humanitarian Settings

From September 11 to 13, 2024, Outright International, in partnership with Deutsche Bank, hosted a groundbreaking Global Consultation on LGBTIQ Inclusion in Humanitarian Action in New York City, NY USA. This report summarizes the key themes and recommendations resulting from the consultation and puts forward an “Advocacy Roadmap” aimed at humanitarian agencies, donors, policymakers, and civil society that highlights critical short-, medium-, and long-term actions that will promote and strengthen LGBTIQ inclusion in the humanitarian sector. 

About the LGBTIQ Inclusion in Humanitarian Action Advocacy Roadmap

The Consultation brought together 73 participants from over 35 countries, including representatives from LGBTIQ civil society organizations, international humanitarian agencies, UN bodies, government, the private sector, and researchers. Over the two-day meeting, participants led panels and facilitated group discussions on the current state of LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian action. Morning plenaries were followed by afternoon multi-sectoral working groups, which were tasked with identifying the key barriers and potential solutions to achieving meaningful inclusion. These discussions resulted in a set of key advocacy goals and actions.

The consultation highlighted that LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian action requires systematic change, sustained commitment, and collaborative effort from all stakeholders. 

Key Takeaways Include:

• During humanitarian crisis, LGBTIQ people are often overlooked and left behind
• Exclusion from humanitarian assistance is often directly related to pre-crisis social norms that perpetuate discrimination
• The humanitarian system must fulfill its commitments to centering crisis-affected people in humanitarian action, protecting all people who are at risk by accounting for their specific vulnerabilities and upholding their rights without discrimination.

It is time for all in the humanitarian and LGBTIQ human rights sectors to push collaboratively for durable and meaningful change.