Global Context and Challenges
In a year when the new US President officially abolished the use of the term “gender” in official use, the Prime Minister of Hungary announced a ban on Pride Parade in Budapest, and many European countries recorded a rise in the far right, representatives of progressive forces in the Balkans expressed determination to defend universal human rights. The focus of this year’s conference was on global anti-LGBTI policies and the threats they pose to the advancement and protection of the concept of human rights.

On the first day of the conference, a panel was held on attacks by right-wing organisations and policies that threaten LGBTI rights. There was discussion about tactics that political organisations can apply in defending acquired rights and strengthening public support. In the second part of the conference, case studies and research results on right-wing, conservative and anti-gender policies were analysed.

A lecture on anti-LGBTI narratives and their use in local campaigns against the European Union, NATO, gender equality and values associated with the democratic West was particularly highlighted.

Action Planning and Future Steps
On the second day of the conference, action planning by country was organised. It was agreed that stronger connections and mutual support are needed, especially through joint online campaigns and publishing content on the internet. Additionally, there was discussion about expanding the number of participating countries in the programme, with the aim of strengthening the regional network of progressive organisations and individuals involved in protecting LGBTI rights.

International Support and Long-term Goals
The conference is part of a project that the Centre of Modern Skills (CMV-Serbia) has been implementing since 2015 together with the Progress Institute from North Macedonia, the Fund for Progressive Policies from Montenegro and the Forum of Left Initiative from Bosnia and Herzegovina. [1.]

This year’s gathering once again showed that regional solidarity and coordinated action are key factors in defending LGBTI rights in the Western Balkans. In a time when human rights are under increasing pressure, such conferences provide space for exchanging experiences, strengthening alliances and planning concrete activities for a better future for all citizens of the region. Join us!