Hot topics for ATHENA

ATHENA Network addresses HIV-related discrimination through laws

Since 2004, the Action for West Africa Region-HIV/AIDS (AWARE-HIV/AIDS) Program has spearheaded the development of a "model law" on HIV prevention and control; at least seven West African parliaments have used it to pass laws to date. This model law project represents a signal opportunity for governments in the region to establish a sound legal framework for their HIV response. However, the model law contains elements that clearly violate basic human rights principles, including established United Nations positions on HIV and human rights.

In anticipation of a “Capacity building workshop on human rights and gender in HIV legal frameworks” to be held in Dakar, Senegal, from 16-18 April 2008, a number of civil-society organizations gathered support for a letter addressing the problematic aspects of the model law. As of noon (EST-USA) on 15 April 2008, 56 organizations had signed the letter, including networks of persons living with HIV; sexual and reproductive health organizations; women’s rights groups; treatment access advocates and human rights entities. Signatures were still coming in and the updated signed letter will be posted later on the ATHENA Network website.

Cases of forced sterilization of HIV-positive women being investigated in Namibia

In Namibia, as many as 10 cases of forced sterilization of HIV-positive women could be heading for the courts. The Legal Assistance Centre Aids Law Unit Project will represent the women and is currently ascertaining the details of their cases. Background investigation has been done by the Namibian chapter of ICW.

ATHENA members work actively towards the realization of the Barcelona Bill of Rights, we seek to advance the recognition, protection, and fulfillment of women’s and girls’ human rights, comprehensively and inclusively, as a fundamental component of policies and programs to address HIV/AIDS. This includes working on sensitive and contentious issues that some leading national and international agencies are unable or reluctant to address. Current examples include (but are not limited to): comprehensive sexuality education for women and girls, supportive work with marginalized groups such as sex workers and substance users, resistance to anti-prostitution pledges, harm-reduction strategies, and reproductive choices for women affected by and living with HIV/AIDS. Read more

This month, ATHENA is featuring work done by the INSA-India (International Services Association-India) Click here for previous organizational member profiles.

ATHENA and the Mexico AIDS Conference:
news on this can be seen here