Human Rights Group Slams India’s Record
The Hindu, India, 1/31/2015
A top global human rights group has criticised the Indian government for its treatment of minorities, lack of protection for women’s and children’s rights, restrictions on free speech and insufficient support extended for human rights via New Delhi’s foreign policy engagements. In its 25th annual World Report on human rights, New York-headquartered Human Rights Watch noted that there was a ‘spike’ in incidents of violence against religious minorities in 2013 in the run-up to the national elections where 133 people were killed and 2,269 injured in 823 incidents. The report also emphasised that the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2014 identified several areas in which the Indian government had ‘failed to ensure protection of children from discrimination, harmful practices, sexual abuse, and child labour.’
Financial Crisis Hits Mizoram’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS
The Times of India - Mizoram, India, 1/30/2015
Funds crunch for the past few months have badly hit non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Mizoram that are fighting against the spread of HIV and AIDS in the state, said Federation of NGOs Working in Drugs and AIDS Prevention and Care (FONWIDAPAC), an umbrella organisation comprising 41 NGOs involved in campaigns against HIV and AIDS. The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), which used to transfer funds directly to the state AIDS control societies, recently changed its policy and now transfers funds via the state government.
A Story Retold: How Laxmi Chose to be a ‘Hijra’
The Indian Express - Pune, India, 1/30/2015
When Prof R Raj Rao, the author of critically acclaimed novels ‘The Boyfriend’ and ‘Hostel Room 131’, first read transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi’s autobiography titled ‘Mi Hijra, Mi Laxmi’ one-and-a-half year ago in Marathi, he knew he wanted to translate it into English. While an excerpt from the translation of Me Hijra, Me Laxmi (done in collaboration with P G Joshi, who taught English at K J Somaiya College in Kopargaon) first appeared in an online US magazine, Words Without Borders in 2013, it is now set for release in India during the World Book Fair in New Delhi next month.
In a First, Police Nod For Gay Pride March in Woman’s Name
The Times of India - Mumbai, India, 1/29/2015
In a landmark of sorts for queer rights in India, all the police permissions for an LGBT Pride March set for January 31, 2015, will be in the name of a woman. This is a possible first for the country, as police permissions are always sought by men. The move is aimed at combating both homophobia and patriarchy. At a time when few women in India are out of the closet, Sonal Giani acknowledges the fact that seeking permissions for an LGBT pride march in her name is a huge leap forward for gay rights in India.
Vietnam Sees Positive Change Towards Gay People: Survey
Thanh Nien Daily - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 1/28/2015
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Vietnam's community of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people has seen positive change in the society over the past five years, according to advocacy group ICS. According to a survey of 3,214 LGBT people, 44 percent said they witnessed positive change in the society’s attitude towards them. Also, 37 percent said they were confident to come out. Twenty percent of the respondents said the government has begun to recognise them and 10 percent said there have been many official activities for their community. However, old cultural and social mores have deeply engraved in the mindset of many people as nearly half of the respondents said they are often victims of discrimination.
Prevailing Male Sex Service in Myanmar
The Nation, Myanmar, 1/28/2015
Male sexual services and massage parlours are rife in Yangon, camouflaging themselves as male-only health and beauty spas with the majority of clients being homosexuals. The business has grown large in the past two years and the owners have started recruiting drive especially via social networks, particularly Facebook. The widespread service causes concerns among health officers, for it could aggravate the widespread of sex-related diseases. MP Khin San Hlaing now says to take the matter in his hands. ‘I will submit a proposal to the parliament to effectively control the rise of such businesses in Yangon as it goes against Myanmar tradition and customs,’ he said.
Asia-Pacific Can Lead Fight on AIDS
Bangkok Post, Thailand, 1/28/2015
In 2000, governments committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which addressed the greatest challenges of our time, including halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV. The progress seen since then fulfills a promise and proves that strong leadership and sustained engagement deliver results. To help define the future of the HIV response in this new era, governments across Asia-Pacific, together with civil society and other partners, are gathering in Bangkok at a major regional meeting convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other organisations.
High Abortion Rate Triggers Fears For Young Women
China Daily, China, 1/27/2015
China's high abortion rate has triggered public concerns over sexuality education for young people, with experts calling for cooperation from health departments and parents to protect young women. About 13 million abortions are carried out in the country annually, according to the technology research center under the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Guo Min, from the China office of Marie Stopes International, a nongovernmental organisation specialising in sexual and reproductive health work worldwide, said, ‘Many young women who had abortions in our clinics said they did not know what a condom looks like.’
‘Women Can Seek More Maintenance Under DV Act’
The Hindu, India, 1/25/2015
Even if an aggrieved woman has been given maintenance under any law, she can seek further maintenance under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, according to a ruling given by the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court. ‘Once we consider Section 20(1)(d) of the D.V. Act, the conclusion would be that an aggrieved person is entitled to claim maintenance under this Section in addition to her maintenance right under any other law for the time being in force,’ Justice S.B. Shukre said in his order passed the previous week.
NA Standing Committee for Comprehensive AIDS Bill
The Daily Times - Islamabad, Pakistan, 1/23/2015
National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on January 22, 2015, chaired by MNA Khalid Hussain Magi, referred the HIV and AIDS (Safety and Control) Bill 2013 back to National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Ministry when members felt the bill needs to be more comprehensive before approval. The figures suggested that there were around 84,000 people living with HIV in Pakistan till the end of 2013. Magi said that the bill aims at efforts directed towards preventing HIV from becoming established among general population and to halt its spread among vulnerable population. The Committee referring the bill to the relevant ministry also recommended it to consult with Ministry of Law before presenting the bill in future.
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