The efforts of both Norwegian and international organisations to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights are essential for ensuring respect for human rights across the world.
Zenia Chrysostomidis
Head of Section for Human Rights and Civil Society in Norad
Norway Strengthens International Efforts to Promote LGBTQ+ Rights
Activists and supporters from the LGBTQ+ community take part in “Pride Walk Bengaluru”, a solidarity march held in Bengaluru, India, in December 2025.
Norway is increasing its support to organisations working to advance LGBTQ+ rights, including efforts to combat violence and discrimination. Norad is entering new agreements with the Norwegian organisation FRI and the international actors Front Line Defenders, Outright International and Synergia.
In recent years, a number of countries have introduced legislation that criminalises or restricts the rights of LGBTQ+ communities.
Multiple reports show a rise in violence and harassment. In some regions, as many as one in three LGBTQ+ persons report experiencing physical or psychological violence, and a majority state that discrimination limits their access to work, education and health services.
– There is a concerning global trend in which rights previously taken for granted are now under pressure. Norway has a responsibility to stand up for these values. We want organisations on the frontline to be able to continue their critical work, says Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.
The strengthened effort is part of the Revised National Budget and aims to enhance visibility, protection and international cooperation. The support represents an increase of NOK 20 million.
– By stepping up our global efforts for LGBTQ+ rights, we are not only defending individuals – we are defending the very core of human rights, says Zenia Chrysostomidis, Head of Norad’s Section for Human Rights and Civil Society.
Several of the initiatives include engagement with the UN, regional human rights bodies, religious leaders and national authorities in regions where LGBTQ+ persons are particularly vulnerable. A significant share of the funding will also be channelled to local organisations leading the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in their own countries.
The organisations receiving support are FRI (Norwegian Organisation for Sexual and Gender Diversity) and the international actors Front Line Defenders, Outright International and Synergia. All work across different countries to promote LGBTQ+ rights. The agreements with these organisations are administered by Norad.
– We are therefore very pleased to enter new partnerships and reinforce existing agreements with relevant actors in this field, Chrysostomidis emphasises.
She adds that the additional allocation to both Norwegian and international organisations working for LGBTQ+ rights prioritises three key areas:
- Rapid and flexible support to LGBTQ+ organisations and networks affected by funding cuts.
- Increased operating space for human rights defenders working to advance LGBTQ+ rights, including those who are LGBTQ+ persons themselves.
- Support to normative work that highlights the consequences of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons.
In the 2026 national budget, the Norwegian government has allocated an additional NOK 12.4 million to further strengthen protection and advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ communities globally.