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Tania Admin
Significant Step, Say Activists
The NHRC, in its advisory on ‘rights of women’ in the context of Covid-19’, directed the Centre and state governments to enable sex workers to access welfare schemes under the category of informal workers.
The NHRC’s advisory was based on an impact assessment by an 11-member committee of experts comprising of civil society organizations, domain experts, and representatives from the government.
Welcoming the move, Kiran Deshmukh, National Network of Sex Workers (NNSW) termed the advisory as a milestone in the fight for rights of sex workers in the country.
“We are now counted as workers and this is a beginning for us. This is a moment of celebration for all the sex workers who are fighting every day for their right to live and earn by providing sexual services without stigma, discrimination, and violence,” said Deshmukh. Deshmukh added that the NNSW has also made submissions to the committee by highlighting important issues and recommendations. Currently, the NNSW has over 1.5 lakh sex workers as members across eight states.
The pandemic-induced lockdown has crippled the lives of sex workers as most of them have lost livelihood and homes, points out activists.
“This will lead to the reduction of exploitative practices and safe working conditions of sex workers,” says Meena Seshu of SANGRAM, an organization working for sex workers’ rights.
In its advisory, the NHRC has directed states to provide immediate relief measures such as temporary documents to access PDS and other welfare schemes. Activists say that this will help many non- ration cardholders to avail ration.
The NHRC also advises the inclusion of migrant sex workers into schemes for migrant workers, free testing, treatment for COVID-19, and providing them with essentials such as soaps and sanitizers.
Seshu feels that the advisory can be used as a tool for further advocacy. “The advisory has been sent to all states and departments. Now it’s up to the community based organizations and collectives to access it,” she says adding that this will lead to a change in mindsets especially among the police force and implementing agencies.
To read more of this article click HERE
The NHRC, in its advisory on ‘rights of women’ in the context of Covid-19’, directed the Centre and state governments to enable sex workers to access welfare schemes under the category of informal workers.
The NHRC’s advisory was based on an impact assessment by an 11-member committee of experts comprising of civil society organizations, domain experts, and representatives from the government.
Welcoming the move, Kiran Deshmukh, National Network of Sex Workers (NNSW) termed the advisory as a milestone in the fight for rights of sex workers in the country.
“We are now counted as workers and this is a beginning for us. This is a moment of celebration for all the sex workers who are fighting every day for their right to live and earn by providing sexual services without stigma, discrimination, and violence,” said Deshmukh. Deshmukh added that the NNSW has also made submissions to the committee by highlighting important issues and recommendations. Currently, the NNSW has over 1.5 lakh sex workers as members across eight states.
The pandemic-induced lockdown has crippled the lives of sex workers as most of them have lost livelihood and homes, points out activists.
“This will lead to the reduction of exploitative practices and safe working conditions of sex workers,” says Meena Seshu of SANGRAM, an organization working for sex workers’ rights.
In its advisory, the NHRC has directed states to provide immediate relief measures such as temporary documents to access PDS and other welfare schemes. Activists say that this will help many non- ration cardholders to avail ration.
The NHRC also advises the inclusion of migrant sex workers into schemes for migrant workers, free testing, treatment for COVID-19, and providing them with essentials such as soaps and sanitizers.
Seshu feels that the advisory can be used as a tool for further advocacy. “The advisory has been sent to all states and departments. Now it’s up to the community based organizations and collectives to access it,” she says adding that this will lead to a change in mindsets especially among the police force and implementing agencies.
To read more of this article click HERE
