Human rights
Human rights violations against groups or individuals increases their vulnerability to HIV and other health issues. This includes stigma and discrimination from other people and repressive legislation, policy and practice.
In many countries people who inject drugs, sex workers, transgender people and men who have sex with men face discriminatory and unjust laws that legitimize stigma and discrimination.
More than 80 countries have laws against same-sex behaviour. The free travel of people living with HIV is restricted in 51 countries, territories and areas. Such laws drives HIV underground as those facing a higher risk of infection feel inhibited from accessing prevention services and programmes.
Case study: sex work, HIV, and human rights in Peru
From www.aidstar-one.com
In Peru, where cultural norms emphasize women’s subordination and the importance of masculinity, programs with a focus on gender—particularly those involving sex workers—are often underfunded and under represented. This case study (one of nine in a series) describes how three organizations focused on sex workers and transgendered and transsexual people have joined together to advance the rights of sex workers. go
Theatrical performance in Zimbabwe commemorates World Habitat Day
The impact of Zimbabwe’s mass forced evictions on the rights of children has been commemorated through a theatrical performance in Harare by Amnesty International Zimbabwe for World Habitat Day (3 October, 2011). more
Empowering men who have sex with men to live healthy lives
From www.aidstar-one.com
A support network plus access to legal and psychological support are essential components of HIV programming for most-at-risk populations. In Colombia, obtaining this support is difficult for many members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community due to pervasive stigma and discrimination. Bogotá’s LGBT Community Center was founded in order to help fill this need and serves a clientele comprised mainly of men who have sex with men. This case study (one of nine in a series) examines the center’s efforts to provide a social and educational base for its clients while also advocating for their rights. go
Poor roads and infrastructure in Ruteete sub county, Uganda putting mothers at risk
Medical workers at Ruteete Health C enter III in Kabarole district, Western Uganda have decried the poor state of infrastructure at the center, which they say is making their work difficult. more
South Sudan women focus of new push for rights by female lobbyists
Eclipsed by a stretch of human rights abuses, women from the new state of South Sudan can hope to join the global web of freedom if a new push by female lobbyists to have their interests incorporated into the African Charter on women’s rights come to bear, reports KC Dnjagi. more
Older people call for action on healthcare
Older people in Uganda have appealed to government to for affirmative action on the provision of health services to older people in all government hospitals. more
Ugandan activists ‘disappointed’ as maternal death case fails to be heard for third time
Activists were disappointed once again last week (28 September 2011) when the long awaited Petition Number 16, which campaigners are bringing against the government for failing to prevent maternal deaths, failed to be heard for the third time. more
Woman dies in Lyatonde Hospital, Uganda due to lack of stitches
From 256news.com
A woman has died in a Lyantonde government health centre after the doctors failed to get stitches to sew the wound after an operation.
The deceased whose name remains unknown had gone to Kasambya Health Centre IV in Lyantonde district to give birth. go
