Let me emphasize: promotion and protection of human rights are “non-negotiable” in our work. In particular, we must press for the decriminalization of same-sex relations in the many countries where this is still criminalized. And we must aim for the far-reaching legal, policy and attitudinal changes that would make violence against sexual minorities not just illegal, but socially unacceptable.
Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director, UNFPA (2006)
South Asia
Male to male sexual activity is illegal in all countries of South Asia. Access to health services - and in particular to sexual health and HIV services - is limited and unfriendly or hostile attitudes towards MSM are common. Whilst legal reform work is underway in a few areas, societal recognition and full enjoyment of human rights of MSM are still far from being achieved. As has been the case in other parts of the region, the response to HIV has helped to foster more open discussions on sexuality and gender issues, including those of MSM, and has contributed to increased visibility and capacity of MSM organisations, where they exist. For APCOM purposes, South Asia does not to include India, which is designated as its own APCOM sub-region.
South Asia includes:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
APCOM Representative
Blue Diamond Society
Director
Katmundu, Nepal
cspsb@yahoo.com
APCOM Members
If your organisation would like to become an APCOM Member and be listed here please complete the Membership application.
Organisations
If your organisation would like to be listed here please contact us.
Bangladesh
Dhaka
info@fhi.org
Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Pakistan
Islamabad
info@fhipk.org
Sri Lanka
Colombo
sbenerag@health.gov.lk
