HNRDF Needs Assessment Report: Addressing the Needs of the Most Discriminated Groups in Galle District
The Human and Natural Resource Development Foundation (HNRDF) conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the challenges faced by the most discriminated groups in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, particularly LGBTIQ+ communities and sex workers. The initiative, funded by the USAID/IDEA project, aims to identify their needs and develop recommendations to improve their well-being and security.
The report summarizes the reasons why these communities are most discriminated
Legal and Policy Environment: Sri Lanka’s Penal Code criminalizes consensual same-sex relationships and the limited application of human rights treaties further marginalizes these groups. Sri Lanka is a signatory to international human rights treaties, but these protections have not been fully incorporated into national law.
Challenges in Reforming Discriminatory Laws: Sri Lanka’s Constitution allows existing laws to remain valid even if they conflict with fundamental rights, hampering efforts to reform discriminatory laws.
Social and cultural differences:
Negative Attitudes: These communities are treated more discriminate based on religious and cultural factors. With the statements made by famous people and some media-handling organizations and personnel for their publicity, the situation has become worse.
Community-based discrimination: Sex workers and LGBTIQ+ people face exclusion, gossip, and even physical abuse from family, friends, and communities.
Lack of education and understanding: Misinformation about sexuality and lack of comprehensive sexuality education contribute to social stigma.
Police violence and harassment: Arbitrary detention, forced medical examinations and violence against sex workers and LGBTIQ+ persons violate their fundamental rights.
Identified Needs: The assessment identified various needs that require immediate attention:
- Health care: access to educational information about sexual health, treatment of diseases, psychological counseling, and hormone therapy for transgender people.
- Resource Center: Establish a central location that provides emergency contact information, legal assistance, and support services.
- Networking: Building connections with professionals equipped to meet the specific needs of these communities.
- Emergency Assistance: Creation of a dedicated hotline for seeking assistance, legal aid, and reporting emergencies.
- Awareness programs: Educate stakeholders such as government officials, law enforcement, religious leaders, and the public on human rights, sexual orientation, and gender to combat stigma.
- Safe Spaces: Providing safe housing for people facing violence and discrimination.
- Implementation Strategies:
The report proposes a multi-pronged approach to address the identified needs:
- Capacity Building Workshops: Equipping community members with knowledge of their rights, legal frameworks, and self-protection strategies.
- Sensitization programs: Contacting institutions and individuals who perpetuate discriminatory practices such as conversion therapy.
- Health Care Initiatives: Collaborate with health care providers to ensure access to essential medical services and hormone therapy for the transgender community.
- Livelihood Opportunities: Facilitate vocational training, scholarships, and job placements for community members.
- Community Engagement: Organize awareness programs for religious leaders, media, and the public to develop understanding and acceptance.
- Advocacy and collaboration: lobbying for legal reform, partnering with other organizations, and raising awareness through media campaigns.
This needs assessment report provides detailed information on the pressing issues faced by high-risk groups for discrimination in the Galle district. Implementation of the proposed recommendations will require a collaborative effort by various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and the wider community. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. (This article provides a summary of the needs assessment report.
Reported By HNRDF