Human Rights The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons

The Federal Government’s LGBTI Inclusion Strategy for Foreign Policy and Development Cooperation was adopted by the cabinet in March 2021.

The Inclusion Strategy is a strong statement by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development⁠ (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office in support of LGBTIQ+ rights and against discrimination. It is helping to give additional strategic direction to the German government’s human rights policy, to make Germany’s activities in this area more visible, and to offer stronger, sustainable support for LGBTIQ+ human rights work at the civil society level.

Civil society was extensively involved in developing the Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy incorporates key demands made by stakeholders, such as embedding LGBTIQ+ issues within the human rights context and recognising the particular importance of protecting minors.

The LGBTI Inclusion Strategy is a very important step towards better protecting and strengthening the rights and needs of LGBTIQ+ persons through measures such as policy dialogue, mainstreaming⁠ across German development cooperation and also targeted measures.