UN: Promotion of human rights will eliminate HIV/AIDS stigma

 PROMOTION of human rights laws and policies will contribute to the elimination of stigma and discrimination against people living and affected by HIV/AIDS, a United National official says.

United Nations Aids (UNAIDS) representative Joanne Robinson said this yesterday at a workshop hosted by the PNG Development Law Association to identify issues affecting HIV affected people and how they could seek assistance from relevant institutions.

Workshop participants included the Cheshire Disability Services, Friends Frangipani, Save the Children, Anglicare Inc, Hope World Wide, PNG Ports Corporation Ltd, Police Department, National Judiciary Services, Village Court Secretariat of the Attorney-General’s office.

Robinson provided some background information to the development of international human rights law including key international human rights instruments and the evolution of human rights into the area of economic and social rights.

Meanwhile, programme manager of the workshop Pauline Kenna Dee said like other people, HIV-affected people had the same rights as everyone else – free from all forms of stigma discrimination and interference.

“The elimination of stigma and discrimination against people living with and affected by HIV through the promotion of laws and policies will ensure the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms,” she said. 

The workshop ended with a presentation of certificates to participants. 

“Criminalisation of sex work drives sex workers underground and makes them harder to reach education about HIV, and also discourages sex workers with HIV from seeking care and support,” she said.  

She said affected HIV people should be valued like all other normal people.