The ARCUS Programme Phase III is a regional initiative that aims to strengthen the LGBTIQ+ movement in Central America through organizational capacity development, evidence generation on violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the promotion of strategic alliances that contribute to more democratic, inclusive, and rights-respecting societies.

The programme will be implemented in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica, bringing together national and regional organizations to strengthen resilience, political advocacy, and social support for LGBTIQ+ communities.

Objective

To strengthen and connect the pro-rights network of LGBTIQ+ individuals and organizations across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica in order to advance political and social advocacy for the generation and use of official data addressing the violence and discrimination faced by these communities.

Where do we work?

The programme operates across four Central American countries:

• Guatemala
• Honduras
• El Salvador
• Costa Rica

Programme Duration

January 2026 – August 2027 (20 months)

• Year 1: January – December 2026
• Year 2: January – August 2027

Implementing Partners

Guatemala

• GAX
• CREAR
• TUH
• AMTA

El Salvador

• ASPIDH

Costa Rica

• MESART

Honduras

• SOMOS CDC

Our Approach

1. Strengthening Organizations, Wellbeing and Resilience

The programme will strengthen the capacities of LGBTIQ+ organizations and leaders through training, holistic security measures, and wellbeing initiatives designed to enhance organizational sustainability and resilience across the region.

Key actions include:

• Implementing the regional Empodera LGBTIQ+ Capacity Building Programme.
• Establishing regional coordination and networking spaces.
• Updating physical, digital, and emotional security protocols.
• Supporting wellbeing, healing, and resilience processes for activists and human rights defenders.

2. Evidence-Based Advocacy and Access to Justice

The programme will support the production and use of data on violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people, while strengthening the capacities of key actors involved in advocacy and justice processes.

Key actions include:

• Producing annual national LGBTIQ+ human rights reports.
• Monitoring state institutions responsible for protecting LGBTIQ+ rights.
• Developing national and regional advocacy agendas.
• Supporting civic monitoring and policy dialogue processes.
• Delivering training on equality rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, and the Inter-American Human Rights System.

3. Building Alliances for Inclusive Societies

ARCUS Phase III will foster collaboration between LGBTIQ+ organizations and actors from feminist, Indigenous, Afro-descendant, media, academic, artistic, and other social justice movements to broaden support for LGBTIQ+ rights and democratic values.

Key actions include:

• Mapping and engaging strategic allies.
• Facilitating cross-sector dialogues and learning spaces.
• Providing grants for artivism and investigative journalism initiatives.
• Supporting LGBTIQ+ festivals and community dialogue events.

Expected Results

Stronger and Safer LGBTIQ+ Organizations

• Strengthened leadership and organizational capacities.
• Improved implementation of holistic security protocols.
• Greater resilience and wellbeing among activists and defenders.

Stronger Evidence and Advocacy

• Annual reports documenting violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ communities.
• Better equipped public institutions to monitor and respond to hate crimes and anti-LGBTIQ+ violence.
• Increased knowledge of human rights and access to justice among legal professionals, community leaders, and activists.

Broader Alliances for Equality

• Increased participation of non-LGBTIQ+ allies in pro-rights initiatives.
• Expanded support for artivism, investigative journalism, and cultural engagement.
• More public spaces that promote inclusion, dialogue, and democratic participation.

Programme Lead

Implemented by Hivos in partnership with LGBTIQ+ organizations in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

Implementation period

January 2026 – August 2027.