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AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
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HIV/AIDS
is a disease that has to be assessed in the context
of human rights as this disease is burrowing deeper
into the social and economic fault lines of communiation,
and widening those fissures further.
Most
people affected by AIDS have limited options to
defend their autonomy, develop viable livelihood
and protect themselves, leaving them more vulnerable
to both HIV infection and the impact of the epidemic
on their lives. Principles of non-discrimination,
equality and participation are central to an effective
HIV/AIDS strategy that integrates human rights.
This is the key function and purpose of the LEGAL
CELL.
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MORE
CRITICAL THAN EVER
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Protection
of human rights is to reduce the impact of the epidemic
on the people living with HIV/AIDS. Those afflicted
are victimized and suffer social ostracism and intolerance.
Hence responses based on humanitarian and pragmatic
considerations should be considered. |
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MORE
DIVERSE THAN EVER
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Those
affected by societal discrimination include not
only CSWs, MSMs, truck drivers, injection drug users
but also children, migrants, refugees, laborers
etc. In general women are at a greater risk due
to their natural physiologic risk of infection.
This compounded by vulnerability, lack of training
and information, low social and economic status
limits their power to negotiate use of condoms,
leave risky relationships, and discuss fidelity
with their partners. Hence access to legal remedies
and counselling have to be provided to them. |
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MORE
HOPE THAN EVER
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Legal
cell aims to successfully defend those affected
with HIV/AIDS to freely disclose their status and
also actively support them to counter any AIDS-related
stigma. Our objective does not end with this as
we also hope to create a sense of urgency among
the legislature-elected members, executives and
judicial officers about the disease and mobilize
law-makers to adopt effective laws and legal remedies
to address legal and ethical issues. |
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HOW
THESE RIGHTS CAN BE PROTECTED
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Right
to the highest attainable standard of physical
and mental health by ensuring that HIV prevention
tools and services are available. Ensure provision
of the necessary health infrastructure and personnel.
Right
to information and education by providing information
and education relating to sexual health and HIV
prevention.
Right
to privacy by ensuring that counselling and testing
are voluntary and the results confidential. Ensure
right of non-disclosure to third parties.
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© TNSACS 2002
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