Vijayawada: VIMUKTI, a state-level collective of sex workers and survivors of trafficking in AP, has written to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that it direct state government to implement orders helping informal workers, including sex workers, acutely affected by Coronavirus pandemic.
State convener of the collective S. Meharunnisa pointed out that during both waves of Covid, survivors of human trafficking and sex workers faced severe economic, physical and mental issues. But the government’s support services for sex workers and rescued survivors had been very nominal, almost nil.Meharunnisa urged the state government to implement a comprehensive and concrete action plan for ensuring alternative livelihoods for sex workers. This would enable them to lead a life of dignity both during pandemic and post pandemic days.
VIMUKTI convener said all rights and entitlements available to informal workers in India must apply to sex workers too. They must have accessibility to benefits under various welfare schemes and support services extended by both central and state governments.
She said the collective has appealed to State Human Rights Commission and State Legal Services Authority to monitor implementation of NHRC advisories at the state level, while District Legal Services Authority should do the same at the district level.
