Editorial 1: A case for the Global South in securing Ukraine peace
Context
The war in Ukraine gives the Global South a chance to show it can be fair and trusted in helping bring peace and stability to the world.
Introduction
As the destructive war in Ukraine moves toward a fragile ceasefire, helped by maritime and energy truces made in Riyadh, a big question remains: who will make sure peace is kept? There is some hope for peace, as both sides seem tired of the long and painful fight. A recent Black Sea deal came after talks started by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who promised to end the war quickly, now in its fourth year.
- Western leaders like France’s Macron and Britain’s Starmer have suggested a European-led peacekeeping force.
- But this idea faces many problems and contradictions.
- Russia has clearly said it will not accept troops from NATO countries — and most European nations are in NATO.
- A force seen as a threat (casus belli) would not help peace and is not a real option.
- It’s time for the Global South — countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America — to take the lead.
- A UN-backed peace mission led by the Global South would bring neutrality and trust.
- It would also show that the Global South is becoming a key player in global peace and stability.
The perils of a European peacekeeping force
| Key Parameters | |
| Europe’s Interest | Europe wants to lead peacekeeping in Ukraine because it is close to the conflict and has strategic interests in the region. |
| UK’s Stand | British PM Keir Starmer supports a “coalition of the willing” and has offered British troops for post-war peacekeeping. |
| Russia’s Opposition | Russia strongly opposes a European-led force, calling it a NATO Trojan horse trying to expand NATO’s influence in Ukraine. |
| Risk of Conflict | A European force could increase tensions and may even spark more conflict instead of promoting peace. |
| Lavrov’s Warning | Russian FM Sergei Lavrov said such a move would “fuel the conflict” and block peace efforts. |
| Public Opinion in Europe | Most Europeans do not support sending troops. When Macron suggested it, most French citizens opposed the idea. |
| Logistical Challenges | Even if approved, Europe can’t sustain the mission easily without U.S. support, which is uncertain under Trump. |
| Overall Risk | A NATO-led or European-led mission is seen as biased and dangerous, making it a risky and unsuitable option for peace. |
Risks of NATO-Led Peacekeeping
- NATO troops near Russian forces, even for peacekeeping, could trigger a wider war.
- The world cannot afford such a risk.
- A better option is a peacekeeping force led by the Global South.
Why the Global South is Better Positioned
| Characteristic | Details |
| Neutrality | Global South countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America) have stayed neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war. |
| Moral Trust | PM Modi met both Putin and Zelenskyy, showing balanced diplomacy. |
| Trust Factor | These countries are more likely to be trusted by both sides (Kyiv & Moscow). |
| Fairness | A mission led by them would bring a sense of fairness and reduce tensions. |
Proven Peacekeeping Experience of Global South
- African Union (AU) has handled peace missions in Sudan, Somalia, CAR, etc.
- BRICS nations like India, Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia have strong UN experience.
- Chile offers special skills like demining, useful for Ukraine’s rebuilding.
What’s Needed for a Successful Mission
| Requirement | |
| Clear Ceasefire | A strong and agreed-upon ceasefire is essential. |
| Marked Front Line | A clear boundary needs to be negotiated. |
| Logistical & Financial Support | Help from EU and Western countries is important. |
| UN Approval | UN Security Council must authorise it, with support from both Russia and Ukraine. |
| No NATO Troops | Keeping NATO out would ease Russian fears and maintain neutrality. |
| Female Peacekeepers | Including women peacekeepers (as India did in Liberia) builds trust and safety in communities. |
India’s Unique Role in Peacekeeping
| India’s Contribution | Details |
| Experience | Over 2,90,000 Indian peacekeepers in 50+ UN missions. |
| Current Deployments | 5,000+ Indian troops in 9 out of 11 active missions. |
| Historic First | First to send an all-women peacekeeping team (Liberia, 2007). |
| Sacrifices | 160+ Indian peacekeepers have died — most among all countries. |
| Past Leadership | Led UN mission in Yugoslavia (1992) at UN’s request. |
Why India Should Lead
- India is neutral and maintains good relations with Russia, the West, and Ukraine.
- India should step up and lead the peacekeeping mission with confidence.
- China is already being more active, appointing a special envoy and pushing for diplomacy.
- It’s time for India to match or exceed this role.
The broader imperative
- A UN-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is more than just a step toward stability in Eastern Europe.
- It’s a chance for the Global South to take the lead in global diplomacy.
- For years, the Global South has been ignored or sidelined in major world decisions.
- Leading the Ukraine mission would show that the Global South is ready to shape global affairs, not just watch from the sidelines.
Why the Ukraine Mission Matters for the Global South
| Reason | |
| Global Role | Allows the Global South to become a leader, not just a follower. |
| Past Status | Has often been ignored in global decisions dominated by Western powers. |
| Present Opportunity | Leading the Ukraine mission would be a powerful statement of its growing influence. |
| Future Impact | Marks a shift in world order, where more voices shape peace and diplomacy. |
Conclusion
Peace in Ukraine should be led by fair and trusted countries, not by those with biased interests. The Global South has a chance to lead with a strong, inclusive peace plan. A UN-led mission would help restore its global role, and India’s active role would strengthen its image as a rising global power.
Editorial 2: A people still waiting to move out of the margins
Context
Transgender individuals still face challenges in gaining acceptance, education, jobs, and healthcare.
Introduction
International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transgender people. Despite laws like the 2019 Transgender Rights Act, discrimination, economic exclusion, and limited access to education, jobs, and healthcare persist. True inclusion needs strong policies, anti-discrimination enforcement, and social change to ensure equal rights, financial access, and empowerment beyond visibility.
Key Issues with Implementation and Recognition
- Weak enforcement of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 limits access to welfare schemes.
- The bureaucratic certification process delays identity recognition and ignores global best practices of self-determination.
- The Act lacks provisions to address:
- Police harassment
- Family rejection
- Social exclusion
Transgender Identity Card Application Status (as of Dec 2023)
| Metric | Count |
| Total applications received | 24,115 |
| Certificates issued | 15,800 |
| Applications pending >30 days | 3,200+ |
Delhi Case Study
| Population (2011 Census) | ID Cards Issued (April 2022) |
| ~4,200 | Only 23 |
Economic Exclusion and Employment Barriers
- A 2018 NHRC report revealed that 92% of transgender persons were excluded from formal economic activity.
- Many are forced into sex work due to lack of opportunities.
- A 2022 study showed:
- Transgender unemployment: 48%
- National unemployment average: 7–8%
Workplace Challenges
- Hiring discrimination leads to widespread exclusion.
- Those employed often face:
- Workplace hostility
- Lack of gender-neutral restrooms
- Colleague resistance
- Tata Steel has hired over 100 transgender employees—showing some progress—but such inclusive hiring is not industry-wide.
Financial Inclusion: Recent Developments
- In 2024, the Finance Ministry allowed:
- LGBTQ+ individuals to open joint bank accounts
- Nomination of partners as beneficiaries
- However, financial exclusion remains common.
Recommendations for Economic Empowerment
- Enforce diversity hiring policies
- Promote inclusive workplace practices
- Launch targeted financial schemes
- Provide government-backed loans to transgender entrepreneurs
Hurdles in education, health-care access
- Education: A Path to Inclusion and Empowerment
- Education plays a key role in promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment for transgender individuals in India.
- However, systemic discrimination creates serious gaps in access and retention.
- Key Statistics and Challenges
- As per the 2011 Census:
- Transgender literacy rate: 56.1%
- National average: 74.04%
- As per the 2011 Census:
- In Kerala, 58% of transgender students dropped out due to:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Lack of supportive environments
- State-Level Initiatives
- Maharashtra: Set up transgender cells in colleges.
- University of Kerala: Reserved seats and hostel facilities for transgender students.
- What’s Missing
- Nationwide education policies for transgender inclusion remain weak or absent.
- Recommendations
- Implement gender-sensitive curricula
- Create inclusive learning spaces
- Offer financial aid and vocational training tailored to transgender needs
Health Care: Gaps and Discrimination
- Transgender individuals face major health-care barriers due to:
- Systemic bias
- Financial constraints
- Lack of trained professionals
- Access Issues
- Despite the National Health Policy (2017) and Ayushman Bharat, health access is still poor.
- A National Legal Services Authority survey found:
- 27% were denied health care based on their gender identity.
- Gender-Affirming Care
- Treatments cost between ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
- Insurance coverage remains limited.
- The ‘Ayushman Bharat TG Plus’ card offers ₹5 lakh annual coverage, but:
- Implementation is inconsistent
- Many are unaware or unable to access benefits
- Mental Health Neglect
- Mental health services for transgender individuals are severely inadequate.
- Stigma and lack of support worsen psychological distress.
- Recommendations
- Make transgender health-care training mandatory for medical professionals
- Include gender-affirming treatments under insurance schemes
- Set up dedicated transgender health clinics
- Expand mental health support services
Steps to help mainstream
Changing Societal Perceptions
- Genuine inclusion is needed across media, education, workplaces, and public policies.
- Increased visibility of transgender individuals is welcome but often comes with stereotypical portrayals.
- Prejudices remain deeply rooted in families, schools, and workplaces.
- Campaigns like ‘I Am Also Human’ by the Humsafar Trust are steps forward.
- Gender sensitisation programs are essential in schools, colleges, and offices.
- Media should highlight transgender persons in diverse, respectful roles.
- Cultural platforms like Tamil Nadu’s Koovagam Festival can foster social acceptance.
Inclusion and Representation Needs
| Domain | Current Challenge | Suggested Action |
| Media | Visibility increasing, but often reinforces stereotypes | Promote balanced, diverse portrayals of transgender individuals |
| Education | Prejudices from teachers and peers affect inclusion | Introduce gender sensitisation at all levels |
| Workplaces | Biases and exclusion remain common | Implement inclusive hiring and sensitisation programs |
| Policy | Inclusion in policy remains incomplete | Strengthen and enforce anti-discrimination laws |
| Culture | Limited public recognition, except a few events | Leverage events like Koovagam Festival for awareness |
International Transgender Day of Visibility: Core Messages
- Highlights the need for reform in policy, mindset, and systems.
- Points to ongoing discrimination in:
- Employment
- Education
- Health care
- Public spaces
- Transgender individuals continue to face:
- Documentation challenges
- Financial exclusion
- Bias at the workplace
Barriers and Reforms Needed
| Area | Barrier | Reform Needed |
| Employment | Bias in hiring, lack of workplace inclusion | Enforce diversity hiring and inclusive HR policies |
| Education | Bullying, lack of support | Provide safe, supportive learning spaces |
| Health Care | Denial of services, lack of trained professionals | Train professionals, expand inclusive health services |
| Public Spaces | Social stigma and exclusion | Launch awareness campaigns and improve accessibility |
| Identity Documents | Difficult, delayed certification | Simplify ID processes and ensure timely delivery |
| Finance | Barriers to accounts, loans, and inclusion | Enable joint accounts, loans, and financial programs |
Conclusion
To solve these problems, we need to run awareness campaigns, show diverse people fairly in the media, and teach about gender sensitivity in schools and offices. More than just symbolic steps, it’s important to enforce anti-discrimination laws, hire people fairly, and support transgender business owners. Real equality needs everyone to work together to break down unfair systems and make sure all people are treated with respect, given power, and fully included in society.
