NHRC issues COVID-related advisory to govt for LGBTQI community

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 19

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued advisory to the Ministries of Union Government, including the Home Affairs and the states and UTs, to ensure rights of the LGBTQI community in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commission observed that the LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) community have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown.

“The lockdown has gravely affected the livelihood of the community, especially for those who earn from sex work and begging,” the Commission noted.

It observed that people who lived with their family might face violence from family members and might lack to shelter homes and care.

The Commission sought the protection of the members of the community from domestic violence and abuse and from forceful eviction from their place of stay on grounds of gender-based discrimination.

Also, the transgender and intersex persons must be protected in prison. They should not be discriminated against and abused in the process of incarceration during the pandemic, the Commission further said.

The Commission also asked to ensure uninterrupted availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV testing, hormonal treatment (HRT) and gender-affirming treatment, including mental health treatment for the LGBTQI community through all districts and local hospitals and medical health centres even during the pandemic.