Aisha Mughal has become the first openly trans person to take part at Pakistan’s 5th periodic UN CEDAW review. The former works with the Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan was part of the country’s delegation.

Mughal praised her country and the Ministry for believing in her and making her part of Pakistan’s Government delegation to UN CEDAW; while altogether acknowledging the efforts of the Pakistan government for mainstreaming trans people in Pakistan.

In the past, many trans people have attended these conventions. However, they were representing civil society. This has been the first time that a trans person was representing a member of a government delegation.

Pakistan on Trans-inclusive policies

Pakistan is much progressive when it comes to trans people. A few weeks before, Pakistan extended free healthcare to trans people which includes transition-related care. The Government of Pakistan is giving trans people a special health card giving them access to the existing government health insurance scheme for those earning less than 2 USD a day. However, trans people will not be bothered by the financial screening.

The country’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan stated that the government was taking responsibility for trans people. Trans people are routinely denied treatment and face harassment or ridicule from hospital staff and patients.

Mauritius and trans people

In Mauritius, trans inclusive policies have not been a custom. Only a few years ago were trans people considered under men who have sex with men (MSM) health programming in the country’s efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS among key affected populations. However, efforts are being made. Trans people have specific HIV/AIDS related prevention programmes under the Global Fund against AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, as well as in national public hospitals, some hormonal treatments are available free of charge to trans people.

Let us hope that advances and inclusion around the world, including in Pakistan, India, and countries with which Mauritius has diplomatic ties would be a boost to inclusion of trans people in the Mauritian society.

F.N.A.

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