The Equal Rights Coalition welcomes the celebration of WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, under the theme “Unity,” in a year that coincides with the Coalition's tenth anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands. This occasion allows us to recognize the progress achieved and reaffirm the importance of continuing to build societies in which all people can live with dignity, freedom, and without discrimination.

Since its creation in Montevideo in 2016, the Coalition has brought together states and civil society organizations from different regions and national contexts around a common purpose: to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. This work is based on dialogue, cooperation, and understanding among its members, recognizing that sustainable progress requires collective efforts.

WorldPride Amsterdam offers an opportunity to reaffirm that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association belong to all people, without distinction. Pride marches and celebrations are spaces for participation, solidarity, protest, and collective expression for LGBTIQ+ communities, and must be able to take place freely, peacefully, and safely, in accordance with the international human rights obligations assumed by States.

In this context, we express our concern regarding the acts of violence, harassment, and discrimination that continue to affect LGBTIQ+ people in various parts of the world. We also express our solidarity with the victims, their families, and the communities affected by the attack that occurred during the Christopher Street Day celebration in Berlin. These events underscore the need to prevent violence, combat intolerance, and protect the peaceful exercise of fundamental rights.

On the occasion of this important gathering, the Coalition invites its member States, the international community, international organizations, and civil society to renew their commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. Through cooperation, dialogue, and respect for different national contexts, we can move toward more inclusive, safe, and humane societies that respect the dignity of all people.

ERC Member States that are co-signatories: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay.