07 March 2013, Banjul, The Gambia - The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights wishes to inform the general public that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), through two (2) of its subsidiary mechanisms (the Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People Living with HIV and Those At Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected by HIV in Africa and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa), will be organising a Regional Sensitisation Seminar on Women and HIV/AIDs in Africa, from 21 to 23 March 2013, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The theme of the Seminar is “Women and HIV in Africa: The African Commission’s Human Rights-Based Response.”
The Seminar will be attended by various stakeholders, including the Judiciary; Lawyers’ associations; Human Rights Associations; Organisations working with PLWHIV; and Women living with HIV.
The objectives of the Seminar are 
promote the African Charter and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa;
raise the awareness of participants about the roles played by the African Commission’s subsidiary mechanisms in addressing violations of the rights of PLWHIV and of women in Africa;
raise the awareness of participants about the impact of HIV/AIDS on the enjoyment and exercise of human rights, and the particular vulnerability of women in the context of HIV/AIDS; and
share experiences on providing legal assistance to women, and other vulnerable groups, living with HIV.
After the three-day Seminar, participants are expected to have a broader knowledge of the prevention of HIV infections through a human rights-based approach, and greater awareness of the Subsidiary Mechanisms of the African Commission, as well as their roles in promoting and protecting the rights of PLWHIV and women. Participants would also be sensitized on how to involve women more in activities aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of PLWHIV, and those at risk.
For further information, please contact:
Attention: Abiola Idowu-Ojo / Irene Eleke Mbengue
Secretariat, African Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District Western Region.
PO Box 673
Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: 220 4410505/6
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org
