Engagement with vulnerable groups LGBTQI National Consultation DIVA for Equality, Rainbow Pride Foundation, Strumphet Advocacy Network, Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network and Survival Advocacy Network (SAN). The key challenges identified by participants included: Attitude of law enforcement agencies, in particular, police, towards the LGBTQI communities; discrimination faced when accessing medical care; cyber-bullying, bullying in school, discrimination at workplace; denouncement by family; discrimination faced by children of sex workers in school; lack of counsellors as a result, LGBTQI persons are going into depression and are at risk of committing suicide. FIJI HUMAN RIGHTS & ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2018 46 Recommendations Participants at the LGBTQI national consultation The two-day national consultation on LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) rights and challenges was held in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. This event was a milestone for the Commission as such an engagement was held for the first time at a national level where LGBTQI individuals and groups including sex workers were afforded a safe space to freely discus the challenges faced by them in their daily lives. A total of 68 participants from across the country participated in the consultation representing a diverse group based on different gender identities, sexual orientation and expression. Those represented were LGBTQI groups, activists, representatives from civil society orgnisations from across the country in particular from rural, remote and maritime areas. Participants were from all walks of life which included: medical professionals, teachers, entrepreneurs, housewives, farmers, casual workers, media persons, sex workers, students and social activists. Six proactive LGBTQI groups represented at the national consultation were: Haus of Khameleon,  More awareness needed at community level so that families are able to understand and embrace gender diversity  Gender sensitization training for law enforcement agencies  Law enforcement agencies to take hate crimes against LGBTI persons more seriously  Need for counsellors  Media to report to build understanding about LGBTQI rights and interests and not sensationalizing their plight  Recognition of intersectional-related issues when dealing with vulnerable groups  Medical professionals should undergo professional development training to bring about attitudinal transformation in service delivery  The Commission to collaborate with Ministry of Education to deal with discrimination faced by children of sex workers in schools