MRDO holds consultation session

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO) organized a Consultation Session on “Mapping Status and Challenges of SDG 16.3” with the collaboration and support of Tabeer – DAI & Consolidating Democracy in Pakistan (CDIP) programme.

The session brought together transgender community, excluded groups and minorities, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

The main objective of this session was to address, highlight the overall issues related to “Accelerating the implementation of SDG 16.3” (Rule of Law) within Sindh.

Transgender community was of the view that the transgender are the one who enjoy the least amount of respect or rights in Pakistan.

They said due to the controversial nature and typical mindset of people, the subject of transgender rights in Pakistan is not even discussed in sophisticated circles. Most people do not even consider them as a part of their community; massive rejections are often faced by transgenders in almost all the parts of Pakistan. As Pakistanis, we need to realize that we individuals are human beings, and deserve as much of a right to education and other fundamental rights.

Ghulam Sughra, CEO MRDO said, “Transgenders considered as a sign of shame and disgrace in the Pakistani culture. Most of these individuals never get a chance to acquire education in the regular schools due to discriminatory treatment and disgusting attitude of fellow citizens. There are several other issues that are faced by transgenders in Pakistan; such as: there is no government aid or support system to help these individuals live a normal life, Government institutions and other governing bodies are known to harass these individuals. In case of any criminal victimization or even sexual harassment, these individuals get no help/support from the community or government institutions.

She further said transgenders in Pakistan were awarded the right to register as a third gender on their CNICs in 2012, including the right of inheritance after the death of parents, job opportunities, free education and health care. However, while their rights are guaranteed on paper, members of the transgender community said they do not have these rights in practice and provincial welfare departments have yet to implement the decision.

Representatives from minority groups were on the view that Pakistan is a diverse society in which minorities face threats from religious extremists and society’s outdated custom and traditions. Minorities should be given their rights and security but sadly Pakistani officials, lawmakers and law enforcing agencies are sleeping on this matter.

Secondly from this platform the participants said a new law should be made in which works against people not in favour of inter-faith harmony can be added to the constitution of Pakistan, aiming to protect non-Muslims who are threatened by the ubiquitous bigots ready to spread hatred at the drop of a hat.

Persons with disabilities urged the government as well as political parties to pass a bylaw for the electoral rights of the people with disabilities (PWDs) including them in the national mainstream and provide them with a supportive environment to cast their votes. Within the session it was discussed that the relevant authorities should allocate special seats for PWDs in national, provincial and local government system, so as to enable political participation of PWDs, and explore possible ways this can be done.