LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey

Public Policy

THE SITUATION

Conservative political trends and lack of prior involvement with LGBTI rights along with economic and political instability are among the main reasons of poor implementation of legislation and policy across the Western Balkans and Turkey region. Among top reasons is also the lack of political will along with poor awareness among the general population on the needs of the LGBTI community and the risks associated with LGBTI-phobia and discriminatory actions. EU integration as well as support from international community has contributed often to drafting and finalization of National Action Plans (NAP). These have been poorly implemented and have lacked consistency as well as adequate funding, monitoring and evaluation. Again lack of political will has caused for NAPs to remain in the drawers of Ministries. Poor involvement and communication with LGBTI organizations has also contributed to low performance. Poor coordination and communication between state institutions has contributed to delayed implementation and lost opportunities.

In conclusion, lack of political leadership and pressure, poor funding and coordination between state institution and the involvement of LGBTI CSO’s have contributed to weak policies on LGBTI rights across the region.

OUR OBJECTIVES

We want to increase and improve performance of state institutions on implementation of National Action Plans, increase participation and involvement of LGBTI organizations and increasing coordination as well as sharing of best practices at the regional levels.

ACTIONS

  • Promote and encourage the creation of a regional intergovernmental platform for sharing best-practices, increasing political pressure and access to funding for implementation of National Action Plans and other policies;
  • Host Annual Conference in Pristina, Kosovo with the participation of all relevant state institutions from across the region and discuss issues of poor performance and low implementation of policies and legislation;
  • Develop and conduct capacity building programme on advocacy and EU integration process;
  • Develop toolkit/guideline for member organizations on utilising EU integration process in advocacy activities;
  • Gather, analyse and monitor data, policies and processes of relevance to LGBTI rights and issues in the Western Balkans and Turkey region;
  • Draft, finalise and publish country progress reports with particular emphasis on implementation of current legislation and identified gaps in policy design and implementation;
  • Develop evidence based, thematic and context related policy recommendations / advocacy briefs for member organizations and state authorities;