Call for inclusion of trans people in flood relief programmes

Nisha, the first trans advocate, fought for the community's rights to equality

KARACHI:

Panelists at a workshop have highlighted the problems faced by the transgender community and stressed the need for their inclusion in post-flood disaster management and relief programmes.

The workshop was organised by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at a local hotel on Tuesday.

The panelists underlined the need for the transgender community to play a proactive role in easing the pains of flood victims and aiding in the recovery process. Development of an action plan for flood response that is inclusive of transgender people was the focus of the workshop.

All stakeholders, including government organizations, human rights campaigners, transgender people, and policymakers, were involved in the effort to identify gaps in the laws and frameworks already in place for humanitarian operations.

NCHR member Anees Haroon said that the trans community's problems include harassment, lack of education and job opportunities, and lack of data on trans persons. Trans flood victims are not receiving relief, but there are still millions more flood victims in need of assistance. Sindh has been worst hit by floods. Several locations still lack proper drainage, which is contributing to breakout of illnesses.

Although transgender policies exist, they are not always put into practice, Haroon said. The number of transgender people impacted by the floods is unknown. Suggestions will be made to the legislative bodies in order to put them into effect and to offer more facilities.

Nisha, the first transgender advocate, fought for the community's rights to equality in terms of their health, access to accommodation and food, and protection against discrimination.

Secretary Social Welfare Department Shereen Mustafa said: "Everyone is equal before the law under Article 25 of the Constitution. Despite this, transgender people experience discrimination and lack access to support to deal with their physical and mental health issues."

Trans activist Bindiya Rana stated that Sindh's government and social welfare department have always worked with the community. "Work is being done on new information on transgender people, as well as violence against them and health problems.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2023.