AssetID: 56032629
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Colombia Withdraws From International Coalition Defending LGBTIQ+ Rights
Caption: Colombia Withdraws From International Coalition Defending LGBTIQ+ Rights. Colombia has withdrawn from the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), an international alliance of governments and civil-society organisations working to promote and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. The Foreign Ministry formally notified the coalition of the decision on September 17, making the withdrawal effective immediately. Colombia had been co-chairing the organisation with Spain for the 2025–2027 period, meaning it is leaving before completing its mandate. The official letter did not give a reason for the withdrawal, instead thanking Spain and the civil-society representatives involved in the joint presidency. Government officials have indicated that the coalition was not considered a priority by the new President Abelardo de la Espriella and was associated with his predecessor Gustavo Petro. Caribe Afirmativo, the Colombian civil-society organisation that shared the co-presidency, criticised the decision and called on the government to publicly explain its reasons. The organisation also asked the government to clarify how Colombia's international commitments on equality and LGBTIQ+ rights will be handled after its departure from the coalition. The ERC, created in 2016, brings together countries and groups around international diplomacy, legislation, humanitarian protection and other initiatives concerning LGBTIQ+ rights. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Colombia,Spain,Equal Rights Coalition,Abelardo de la Espriella,Gustavo Petro,international coalition,LGBTQ,movement,legislation,cooperation,diplomacy
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