UN calls for protection of rights of HIV, AIDS victims

MANILA, Philippines – United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon yesterday urged governments worldwide to remove punitive laws applying to people afflicted with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and instead protect their rights.

In his World AIDS Day message, Ban pushed for the suspension of travel restrictions and other policies that encourage discrimination against AIDS and HIV patients.

“I urge all countries to remove punitive laws, policies and practices that hamper the AIDS response, including travel restrictions against people living with HIV. Successful AIDS responses do not punish people; they protect them,” he said.

Ban said discrimination against sex workers, drug users and homosexuals prevents cost-effective interventions. He said people with HIV and AIDS can also be powerful role models in programs promoting protection against the disease, health, and human dignity.

“We must ensure that AIDS responses are based on evidence, not ideology, and reach those most in need and most affected,” he said.

Ban said the fight against AIDS can only be successful once “full light of human rights” is given to HIV patients.

“That means countering any form of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. It means eliminating violence against women and girls. It means ensuring access to HIV information and services,” he said.

While there has been progress in reversing the AIDS pandemic, Ban said it remains a leading cause of premature death worldwide because of new infections that demand treatment.

“Our challenge is clear: We must continue doing what works, but we must also do more, on an urgent basis, to uphold our commitment to reach universal access to HIV prevention, care and support by 2010,” he said.

In the Philippines, health authorities have reported a low number of AIDS patients but the number of new cases is rising. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)