The Pacific Recycling Foundation has called for urgent responses to the marginalisation faced by LGBTQI+ individuals working in the waste management space and beyond.
PRF founder Amitesh Deo said such individuals, whether formal or informal, including the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR), were part of the LGBTQI+ community.
“It is a time to stand up for those whose dignity, safety and rights remain under threat,” he said.
“We have to be honest — there is a global regression in the space of activism and human rights, including those of LGBTQI+ communities, which has resulted in restrictions on freedoms.
“Those who fight for human rights are being pressured to justify their work, even as the most marginalised continue to suffer.”
Mr Deo said those individuals face compounded stigma.
“They are marginalised for the essential but undervalued work they do in the sustainability and climate change space and further excluded because of their identity.
“Waste work already carries a ‘heavy social stigma’. Some brands and corporations shy away from supporting these workers because they think it tarnishes their image.
“If you add being LGBTQI+ on top of that, the exclusion is even more extreme.
“We need to confront these uncomfortable truths if we want real change.”
Mr Deo stressed LGBTQI+ communities were on the frontlines of climate vulnerability with a higher risk of displacement, eviction, and limited access to resources during disasters.
“Climate justice and human rights are inseparable. You cannot plan for resilience while ignoring the most vulnerable.
“Inclusion must be the foundation of every system, every policy, every partnership.”
PRF has also urged rights-based organisations, civil society movements and community leaders in this space to make use of the current enabling environment for freedom of speech to speak up in support of LGBTQI+ communities.
“The political space in Fiji allows us to speak out.
“We encourage all movements fighting for rights, equality and justice to come forward with strong messages of solidarity for LGBTQI+ communities, especially during Pride Month.”
