We have a lot to achieve as a society when it comes to the rights of our vulnerable communities – Deo

Let’s create the space to openly discuss, understand, and address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community which continues to face social stigma, discrimination, harassment, and violence, according to the Founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, Mr. Amitesh Deo.

As we celebrate ‘Pride Month’, which is designated to recognise the accomplishments of the LGBTQI+ community and their struggles, Mr. Deo said the PRF which is a rights-based organisation will continue to advocate for the rights of our vulnerable communities, particularly for those involved in informal waste picking. He said they will carry this out in collaboration with other partners working in this space.

Mr. Deo said while many claim that we are moving toward a progressive, free, and fair society, where our rights are protected and we can celebrate our diversity and inclusivity, they continue to hear horror stories of degrading and inhumane acts against vulnerable communities.

“I recently participated in a global seminar for informal waste-picking communities where a transgender woman shared stories from her country (not Fiji) on how she was always asked for sexual favours, and in this case, a man would only allow her to enter the dumpsite after she would have performed oral sex on him,” revealed Mr. Deo.

He said the transgender woman told a diverse range of audience that this was the only way to get inside the dumpsite as she needed to collect recyclables to support a group of children.

“We still have a lot to achieve as a society if some of our vulnerable communities are going through such appalling and unacceptable situations to earn a living for their loved ones,” said Mr. Deo.

According to Mr. Deo, they also have members of the LGBTQI+ community engaged in informal waste picking in Fiji who are often stigmatised and discriminated against.

The PRF’s Founder also highlighted that we need to look at creating a safe and conducive space as well as build confidence to ensure that those reporting crimes will be treated with empathy and their allegations will be taken seriously, particularly where vulnerable communities are concerned as they should not go through further stigmatisation when they turn up to report incidents.