Fact-finding visit of the Committee on HIV/AIDS

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From 9 to 11, the Committee conducted a fact-finding visit, with the aim to meet stakeholders and enable members of the Committee gain awareness on issues related to the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in a country where the prevalence rate is above 10%. This visit was in two phases: the first was to undertake field trips and the second was participation in a forum for stakeholders involved in human rights and HIV in Kenya.

During the field trip, the Committee met the National Aids Council (NAC), and representatives from NGOs such as Kenwa (Kenyan Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS) and Kituo Cha Sheria.

The Committee also participated in a forum which brought together a large panel of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, Associations of Persons Living with HIV, representatives from marginalized minority groups and those who are vulnerable to HIV, such as professional sex workers, the LGBTI and organizations involved in legal assistance and human rights advocacy such as the Kenyan Association of Women Lawyers. The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairperson of the Committee and the representative of the National Aids Council. Issues relating to human rights and HIV were reviewed at length and the Committee, as duty demands, explained its mandate and its relevance in the fight against HIV/AIDS.