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German Government supports project on LGBTIQ+ rights
Ellen Gölz (Chargée d'Affaires a.i. German Embassy Windhoek): “The German Government is resolutely opposed to any form of discrimination or violence against LGBTIQ+ persons and is working to ensure equal rights for all.”, © German Embassy Windhoek
“Improve the understanding of human rights and access to services for LGBTIQ+ people in Namibia”: The German Government supports Outright Namibia's human rights project with 889,651.39 Namibian Dollars (approx. 48,562.00 Euros).
The German Embassy Chargée d’Affaires a.i. Ellen Gölz and the Board Chairperson of Out-Right Namibia (ORN) Agapitus Mukuve Hausiku signed a funding agreement on ORN’s project “Improve the understanding of human rights and access to services that provide safety and better health outcomes for LGBTIQ+ people in Namibia”. The German Government supports this human rights project with 889,651.39 Namibian Dollars (approx. 48,562.00 Euros).
Project aim: reduce secondary victimisation
In its work as a non-governmental organization, ORN supports LGBTIQ+ persons, their families and their allies to receive non-discriminatory public services and to live safely in their local communities. The funded project aims at reducing secondary victimisation of LGBTIQ+ people at points of service provision. It will therefore engage stakeholders like law enforcement agents, health service providers and traditional and religious leaders on responding to safety and health needs of the LGBTIQ+ community in Namibia. Additionally, LGBTIQ+ persons receive educational offers on human rights and specific rights to access public services to become more aware of their own legal situation.
During the launch event on 15 May, Ellen Gölz said: “The German Government opposes any form of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. In particular, the German Government is resolutely opposed to any form of discrimination or violence against LGBTIQ+ persons and is working to ensure equal rights for all. In this endeavour, it works closely with partners in civil society, both at home and abroad.”
Background information
The protection and promotion of human rights are key priorities for the Federal Republic of Germany. Article 1 of Germany’s Basic Law describes human rights as the basis of every community, of peace and of justice in the world. The German Government therefore is committed to promoting human dignity and to protecting fundamental freedoms not only in Germany but throughout the world.
To this end, the German Federal Foreign Office provides funds for various projects supporting the protection of human rights all over the world.