Transgender people should have access to education, employment, health, public services, justice,
ISLAMABAD: Like many other neglected segments of society, transgender people in this country continue to confront several problems and challenges as people look down on them as something alien to our society and culture. They lack legal recognition and protection making them both vulnerable and marginalised in this unjust society. There are, however, some promising developments, but social stigma and discrimination are deeply rooted.
In the recent past, some legislation was done to prohibit and penalise situations and practices of discrimination against them as well as to promote and protect their rights. This legislation work is anchored on several human right instruments and international conventions that seek to address all forms of discrimination and violence among marginalised sections and to which Pakistan is a signatory. These include the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
Like many others, I am pained when I see transgender people suffer from various forms of discrimination ranging from stereotyping and unfair treatment to harassment and sexual assault that sometimes leads to the loss of lives. But who cares about transgender people in this callous society where young girls and women face discrimination on all counts?
They should have access to education, employment, health, public services, justice, etc. Enabling legislations are needed to be put in place.
Hashim Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2019.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
