Kathmandu (Pahichan) January 22- Stakeholders have said that despite the constitutional guarantee on the rights of gender and sexual minorities, there are still challenges for practical implementation. Speaking at an interaction program organized by Blue Diamond Society, participants said discrimination against gender and sexual minority still persists in society, and there is a need of formulation of new laws to change the situation.

They said there is a need of clarity in the existing laws, and media should help in the campaign of securing the rights of this community. Chairman of BDS Pinky Gurung said media gradually understands the issues related to gender and sexual minority. Gurung said BDS was set up in 2001 by Sunil Babu Panta when she was unknown about this community. She appreciated the role of political parties, Parliament and media to ensure the rights of this community.

In the article 12, 18 and 42 of newly adopted constitution, the rights of gender and sexual minority has been ensured. Gurung said role of media is vital to create awareness in the society about this community. According to her, as state has not provided job opportunities and other rights, members of this community are compelled to adopt sex as a profession. Gurung said sex profession should not be taken in a negative way as it is their compulsion for the livelihood due to the discrimination of state.

Deputy Executive Director of BDS Parshuram Rai said the role of media is very vital. According to him, if this community is empowered with rights, members of this community will come out with their actual identity. He expected the cooperation from all sectors to formulate new laws as per constitutional provisions.

Journalists Madhav Dulal presented in details about the impact of Pahichan Radio program. Dulal said state is breaching the human rights of gender and sexual minority. He said people administration is giving torture to this community without any sufficient proofs. He said police is detaining the members of this community, and filing case in the court without any substances. Dulal said media should play a vital role to ensure the rights of this community. Journalists Ramesh Wagle said journalists are reporting on human rights issue should pick up the issues related to gender and sexual minority. He said in the initial period, he was less knowledgeable about this community but it has been expanded after he started working at Pahichan program.

 Advocate Sujan Pant said Nepal is first south Asian countries to ensure the rights of gender and sexual minority in the constitution and implementation remains a key challenge. “The role of media is vital in formulating laws as per constitution provisions,” said Pant. Journalist Kamal Dev Bhattarai underlined the need of programs targeting judiciary, police and media about gender and sexual minority. Bhattarai said lawmakers should be informed about the agenda of this community so that it would be helpful to formulate laws.

Journalist Nakul Aryal said agenda of this community was raised a decade ago and there has been come progress towards securing the rights of this community. He said issue of gender and sexual minority should not be confined only to the issues related to sex. Journalists Khila Kari said all members of this community are not same on sexuality. Karki said members of this community should not be taken in a negative way.