I think Hassan mentioned the need to provide increased support to frontline organizations that are working to promote the rights of LGBTI folks. Those groups come under attack as well, and require attention and your support as well. This support may not necessarily be resources. It could also be platforming them, giving them a voice and space to share their experiences, working as allies. When other allies see allies being supported, they get encouraged and will be able to join the cause.
The second one is that we have to use multinational institutions, such as the World Bank, where Canada has some sort of support, voice and access, because these multinational institutions have proven to be, in many cases, very helpful. UNAIDS in Uganda has been one of the most important allies to the community and to the allies of the community, and so, in working with international institutions, we can amplify their role and make them more active.
Lastly, if I may say, Canada and other countries in the global west have accountability mechanisms. Target, with visa bans, individuals who are promoting anti-LGBTI sentiments in Uganda, so that they know there are consequences to promoting homophobia, hatred and transphobia against the LGBTI community. Now, target the individuals but not the country—smart, targeted sanctions against these individuals. Deny them access to your country, your visas. That has to be a point you make because, in diplomacy, a posture is as important as the actual action you might want to take. Take the posture that you reject this, and do not entertain people who are promoting anti-LGBTI sentiment in Uganda: Sanction them.
