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During Trans Advocacy Week, Elyn Bhandari, a trans masculine activist from Nepal and from Blue Diamond Society, delivered a statement at the Interactive Dialogue regarding the report on the impact of forced displacement on LGBTQIA+ communities done by the Independent Expert on SOGI.
Through Trans Advocacy Week’s organisers and APTN’s assistance in statement drafting, delivery practice, and ECOSOC statement delivery slot, Elyn managed to make his voice heard as one of APTN’s delegates during Trans Advocacy Week.
We are proud to be able to platform trans voices from the Asia Pacific through the TAW program which is co-organized by APTN alongside other global trans organisations such as GATE, ILGA World, EATHAN, RFSL and TGEU.
‘Making a statement at the UN Human Rights Council was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The preparation together with TAW organisers and peer delegates helped me gain the needed knowledge, skills and confidence. In just 90 seconds, I raised urgent issues faced by trans asylum seekers communities in South Asian countries, including lack of legal gender recognition and healthcare access, as well as safety risk. I also called for the renewal of the IE SOGI mandate. It is a heavy-lifting responsibility, but I did it!, thanks to TAW organisers and delegates. It taught me how our local struggles can echo on a global stage and amplify our voices for change.’
Elyn Bhandari
Full statement:
59th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Statement by Asia Pacific Transgender Network
Delivered by: Elyn Bhandari
President,
My name is Elyn, and I am a trans man from South Asia. This statement is delivered on behalf of the APTN and was crafted in collaboration with trans and gender-diverse activists from the Global South and East.
We begin by commending the critical work of the Expert documenting violence against our communities globally. The mandate has created vital space for our voices. We strongly support its renewal.
However, we are concerned that the lived realities of trans people in Asia Pacific remain underrepresented in the report. Our region faces unique and urgent threats that must not be ignored.
Majority of countries in Asia Pacific have limited-to-no access to legal gender recognition and gender-affirming health services exposing trans and gender diverse people to discrimination, violence, physical and mental health risks.
In our regions, religious leaders, laws, and practices have created a climate of systemic harassment and fear for trans people. Extremist mobilizations have led to the rollback of legal protections, contributing to a hostile environment that forces many to flee for safety.
We urge deeper investigation into how the lack of access to legal gender recognition and gender-affirming care, and religious extremism act as driving forces of displacement of trans people.
Lastly, we call the Expert to recommend the States in Asia Pacific to ensure regional asylum and refugee systems which are accessible, inclusive, and rights-based. Forcibly displaced trans people must be protected from discrimination and violence, as well as from exploitation, economic hardship, and social isolation throughout their asylum journeys.
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