Rights of sexual and gender minorities still overshadowed

Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Surendra Raj Acharya, has said rights of sexual and gender minorities are still overshadowed.

At a programme organised by Mitini Nepal here on Wednesday on the occasion of International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Minister Acharya opined that the rights of sexual and gender minorities are still under shadow though their movement started two decades ago.

"There is a condition where the people from the sexual and gender minorities community have to live with discriminatory behaviour. The Ministry is committed to protect and ensure rights of minorities", he shared.

Similarly, Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission, Top Bahadur Magar, mentioned that the Commission was committed for dignified life of minorities' community, adding it was effortful to protect and promote rights of such community.

"Their rights and needs have been given top priority as recommendation to the government to legalize same-sex marriage", he added.

Likewise, Chairperson of National Women Rights Commission, Kamala Kumari Parajuli, said the Commission has been making efforts to bring the people from sexual and gender minority communities to the mainstream of the state.

It was necessary to give an outlet to the problems of such a community including recognition, citizenship and marriage as per the legal provision, she opined.

President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bipul Pokhrel, expressed the view that the media has played a significant role in strengthening the state's role in protecting the rights of minorities.

Stating that voices have been raised to ensure rights of minorities, Mitini Nepal Chairperson Laxmi Ghalan pointed out that all sides should be united to make it meaningful.

On the occasion, Minister Acharya unveiled a book 'Sadhai Sangai: Bibidhatama Ekata. The book has incorporated real stories of sexual and gender minorities. This Day is celebrated every year on May 17 globally by sexual and gender minority communities.