Manipur leads the way in gender sensitive policing for WWID
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 22 2024: In a landmark move towards improving both public health and human rights, IndiaHIV/AIDS Alliance and Nirvana Foundation hosted a 1-Day Consultation for "The Law Enforcement Agency on Drugs and Law Perspective for Women Who Inject Drugs (WWID)" at the training center of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles today.

The consultation was conducted in collaboration with 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles with the support of Gilead Sciences.

It was focused on integrating gender-responsive policing, HIV, and harm reduction into police training curriculum, specifically targeting the needs of WWTD, a highly vulnerable and often overlooked group in both health systems and law enforcement.

The consultation in Imphal marked a pivotal moment for law enforcement in Manipur, emphasizing a shift towards gender-sensitive, rights-based policing.

Delivering the welcome address, Sobhana Sorokhaibam, secretary of Nirvana Foundation, underscored that human rights and gender equity must be integrated into police training, particularly when engaging with marginalized populations like WWID.

Victoria Yengkhom, Commandant of 2nd BN Manipur Rifles, highlighted the crucial role of the police in public health.

She emphasized that moving from punitive law enforcement to a community-police partnership approach is essential for integrating harm reduction and HIV care into police practices.

The Commandant also pointed out that police can serve as allies and expressed the need to frequently train & sensitise police personnel in dealing with drug users.

Furthermore, Victoria Yengkhom elaborated the need to raise awareness and sensitization among youth as a primary prevention so that they don't become victims of substance abuse and guide them to be productive pillars of the Nation.

Kunal Kishore, Senior Advisor, India HIV/AIDS Alliance, delivered a lecture on the topic, "Addressing Gender Sensitivity in Police Training on HIV and Hann Reduction.

He highlighted how gender-responsive police training can improve interactions with WWID.

Drawing from UNODC's guidelines on harm reduction, Kishore explained how this training can help ensure safe healthcare access, reduce discriminatory practices, and create a trauma-informed policing environment that respects the dignity of women.

Laimayum Sevananda Sharma, Advocate, High Court of Manipur & Subordinate Courts, spoke on "Role of law enforcement & Rights of PWUD" while Anand Chabungbam, freelance consultant, elaborated on "Understanding HIV/AIDS & Drug Use".

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by H Devialakshmi Devi, Project Manager, Nirvana Foundation.

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