NHRC, India 7.108 In the meeting, the following points were discussed: J. • Lack of understanding among health professionals like doctors and attendants regarding sex, gender and sexuality often leads to inappropriate behaviour on their part, and perception of trans-identity as a disorder and even abuse. • Structural barriers faced by the transgender community, the unavailability of suitable wards and washrooms in healthcare centres and other places. • Delay in access to health care services, including self-medication during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, queries of the members of the transgender community regarding whether they can take vaccine with the ongoing hormonal and medical treatments. • Structural inequality in Covid-19 vaccine access due to their gender, sexuality, caste and unavailability of identity cards or Aadhar card. According to figures presented in the Parliament recently, only 60,000 of the five-lakh transgender population in India (as per Census 2011 data) have Aadhaar cards so far, and around 90,000 are vaccinated with at least a single dose. Human trafficking 7.109 An important issue closely related, especially withthe subjects of women and children, is that of trafficking, which is an organised crime. Trafficking of women and children is a matter of growing global concern. A victim of human trafficking is a victim of continuous and multiple crimes at all stages of trafficking. In the Indian legal system, the recognised term is ‘human trafficking’ or ‘trafficking in human being’ which is prohibited under Article 23(1) of the Constitution of India. Meeting on the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021 7.110 A meeting chaired by Hon’ble Member, Smt. Jyotika Kalra was held on the occasion of 'World Day against Trafficking in Persons' on 30.07.21, wherein the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021, was critically discussed. The meeting was attended by all important stakeholders, including representatives of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, National Investigation Agency, domain experts and NHRC's Special Monitors on the subject of Trafficking and Children. 7.111 Based on the discussions held in the meeting, the NHRC submitted the comments/suggestions on Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill in August 2021, to the Ministry of Women and Child Development for their consideration. The chapter/section-wise comments are given below: Introduction of the Bill 1. “To prevent and counter trafficking in persons, especially women and children, to provide for care, protection, and rehabilitation to the victims, while respecting their rights, and creating a supportive legal, economic and social environment for them, and also to ensure prosecution of offenders, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.” ANNUAL REPORT 112 2021-22