The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights wishes to inform the public that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission), through its Committee on the Protection of the Rights of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and Those at Risk, Vulnerable to and Affected by HIV, will be organising a Sensitisation Seminar on HIV and Human Rights in Africa from 6 to 8 December 2016 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
The objectives of the seminar, among others, are to: ensure the visibility of the Committee and raise awareness among participants about using the mechanism in responding to violations of the rights of PLHIV; raise awareness about the urgent need to increase efforts in HIV prevention in order to accelerate HIV response towards putting an end to AIDS by 2030; raise awareness about the fight against discrimination and stigma against PLHIV, and HIV-related human rights violations; raise awareness about the importance to have access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services; and sensitise participants to the impact of HIV/AIDS on the enjoyment and exercise of human rights. The seminar is also aimed at identifying problems faced by PLHIV and those at risk and affected by HIV, as well as sharing experiences on legal procedures for the management of PLHIV and other vulnerable groups.
The seminar will bring together several stakeholders, including representatives of the Committee, Ministry of Justice, Legislation and Human Rights, Ministry of Health, National Assembly, persons living with HIV, human rights organisations - including organisations dealing with issues relating to HIV, and journalists.
At the end of the three-day seminar, participants will have broader understanding of HIV prevention through a human rights-based approach and better understanding of the Commission’s subsidiary mechanism towards building a lasting partnership in the area of the promotion and protection of the rights of PLHIV.
For further information, please contact:
Secretariat of the African Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region
P.O. Box 673
Banjul, The Gambia
Tel.: (220) 4410505/6
Fax: (220) 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org
