Trans community points to rise in violence

Sindh Transgender Protection Policy Bill, 2020, discussed to ensure legislation on equal rights

HYDERABAD:

Underscoring the steady rise in crimes like sexual assault, intimidation, harassment and murderous attacks against the transgender community, transgender persons have called for urgent legislation to ensure their protection.

At a consultative meeting at Hyderabad Press Club on Thursday, organised by the Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP), the Sindh Transgender Protection Policy Bill, 2020, was discussed.

Participants stressed that incidents like intimidation, murderous attack and sexual assault against transgender persons had been on the increase, which, they pointed out, is a matter of serious concern.

Kami Chaudhry, a trans rights activist, said recommendations were being collected from stakeholders to ensure that the law optimally provided protection to the ansgender persons are human beings and part of society. "They can't be denied equal rights and this is why the Sindh government is working on the protection bill," she added. She assured that the proposed law will not only be enacted but will also be enforced.

Sindh Commission on the Status of Women chairperson Nuzhat Shireen, too, said transgenders were an inseparable part of society and as such deserved all rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Imdad Chandio of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said a record increase of violence against transgender persons had been observed in the country.

So far, eight consultation sessions have been held in Sindh to receive input and proposals from the stakeholders to ensure effective legislation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2020.