Norwegian development agency (Norad) is flying the Pride flag this month as LGBTQ+ rights come under attack around the world, according to the press release. The agency raised the rainbow flag on June 2nd to stand with LGBTQ+ communities during Pride month. For Norad, this goes beyond symbolism—it’s about protecting basic human rights that are increasingly under threat.
The global picture shows mixed results. Some countries are strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ people, but others are introducing restrictions that limit their freedom of expression and visibility. This uneven progress shows why international cooperation matters for protecting equal rights worldwide.
Norad is putting resources behind change through partnerships across Africa and Asia. Working with the Norwegian Organization for Sexual and Gender Diversity (FRI), they support programs that bring together different groups. In southern African countries like Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa, their work has helped start conversations between religious leaders and LGBTQ+ organizations. In Asia, partnerships with Save the Children and local LGBTQ+ groups in Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam have led to political wins for LGBTQ+ children and youth.
“An attack on minorities is an attack on everyone’s human rights,” says Liv Hernæs Kvanvig, Policy Director in Norad’s Section for Human Rights and Civil Society.
She argues that when people can’t live freely, societies lose valuable resources, ideas, and voices, making communities less generous and less resilient.
Norway also faces challenges regarding LGBTQ+ rights—not everyone there feels safe or included. But Kvanvig sees Pride as Norway’s largest celebration of diversity, combining joy with purpose while highlighting shared values of equality and the courage to stand up for one another.
