The Diplomat
The Spanish and U.S. governments yesterday signed a joint declaration on Spain’s membership in the Global Equality Fund, a public-private partnership administered by the United States that promotes freedom, equality and dignity for all.
In the text, the United States and Spain recognize that “all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, regardless of who they are or who they love.” Therefore, it continues, “promoting and protecting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people is an important part of our shared foreign policy objectives.”
“Consistent with its commitment to these values,” the statement continues, “Spain has formally announced that it will join the Global Equality Fund as a donor partner.” The signing took place this past Wednesday evening (Spanish time), by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, and the U.S. Secretary of State, Tony Blinken.
The Global Equality Fund (GEF), a public-private partnership administered by the United States, is based on the shared commitment of its partners to advance freedom, equality and dignity for all. With Spain’s announcement, the GEF partnership now comprises 18 donor governments (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United States and Uruguay) and ten private donors.
Through the Global Equality Fund, governments, foundations and like-minded businesses support civil society organizations working to promote inclusion and respect for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sexual characteristics. “The United States and Spain will continue to work to ensure that all people – including LGBTQI+ people – can live with dignity, freedom, and equality,” the statement concludes.
