Page 28 - IB May 2024

Social Justice Social Justice

SOGIESC ACTIVISTS RALLY FOR

INCLUSIVITY AND JUSTICE

Participants at the 3rd Pacific Human Rights Conference on SOGIESC. Photo: Prerna Priyanka

By Prerna Priyanka Equality, and Chairperson for the PHRC Organising Committee.
“We cannot ignore the rise in poverty and
Advocates for SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, underemployment among LGBTQIA+ individuals. It’s
expression, and sex characteristics) are rallying for inclusivity imperative that we come together—governments, academics,
and justice in the Pacific, saying that their struggles intersect activists, and every stakeholder—to address these specific
with broader issues such as climate change and domestic challenges,” said Nabulivou.
violence.
Despite global strides towards LGBTQIA+ rights, Stigma and discrimination
discrimination and marginalisation often overshadow progress In many Pacific Island nations, traditional cultural norms
in the Pacific region. From cultural stigma to legal barriers, and religious beliefs continue to fuel discrimination against
members of the LGBTQIA+ community face significant hurdles LGBTQIA+ individuals.
in attaining equality and acceptance, the 3rd Pacific Human Reports from advocacy groups illustrated instances of
Rights Conference (PHRC) on SOGIESC, which took place in ostracisation, harassment, and even violence targeting those
Fiji in April, heard. who openly identify as LGBTQIA+.
Discussing the change from the use of the term LGBTQIA+ A recent report titled ‘Strategic Roadmap for Diverse
to SOGIESC, a New York University School of Law platform SOGIESC Inclusion in Climate Change, Disaster Risk Response,
on international human rights issues said that while the and Humanitarian Action Policies in Fiji’, released by the
term LGBTQIA+ has served to include a diverse array of Rainbow Pride Foundation, a leading Fijian LGBTQIA+ group,
identities relating to sexuality and gender, the use of shared the experiences of gender-based discrimination and
SOGIESC is a reframing of sexuality, gender, and human harassment in workplaces and communities.
rights that is “more accurate, more inclusive, and ultimately More than 70 individuals highlighted experiences that
more universal - and therefore one that is a better tool for hindered their access to education and employment,
advancing human rights.” contributing to mental health issues within the community.
“We are fighting for more than just identity recognition A report by Human Rights Campaign Foundation on LGBTQ
in our struggle for regional equality. It also connects to the Asian and Pacific Islander Youths said that in 2019, more than
urgent need for social and climate justice, gender-based 45% of LGBTQIA+ young people under the age of 18 in the
violence, and so many other things,” said Noelene Nabulivou, region reported experiencing violence or feeling forced to
Executive Director for Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for leave their family spaces due to discrimination.

28 Islands Business, May 2024