“APACHA condemns the continuing criminalization of migrant workers living with HIV and AIDS in the Republic of Korea (ROK)”
Asian Peoples’ Alliance for Combating HIV and AIDS (APACHA) statement)
On 4th January 2010, UNAIDS applauded the removal of entry restrictions based on HIV status by Republic of Korea through a press statement. and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon congratulated President Lee Myung-bak’s leadership.
However, Korean HIV/AIDS activists are concerned that entry restrictions based on HIV status still remain in Korea. There is no reason that the Korean government’s decision should be welcomed by UNAIDS and the UN Secretary-General. The legislations against entry of people living with HIV/AIDS are still present in Korea. The Korean government only revised some parts of administrative instructions.
Asian Peoples’ Alliance for Combating HIV and AIDS (APACHA) strongly appeal to UN Secretary General to revisit his statement applauding Korean Government on the so called removal of entry restrictions based on HIV status and we would appeal to UNAIDS to provide correct information to the people regarding the continuing criminalization of people vulnerable to HIV infection in Korea.
On behalf of the Asia’s largest, peoples’ alliance to combat HIV and AIDS, APACHA, salute the Korean activists for raising this very pertinent issue regarding the rights of the people living with and vulnerable to HIV such as the migrant workers.
"We are in solidarity with you" Said, Mr. Kamal Hossain the coordinator of APACHA.
APACHA do strongly believe that the recognition of the rights of the People living with HIV (PLHIV), and all the people who are affected by HIV is the key to prevent HIV and AIDS.
By criminalizing the migrant workers and imposing unreasonable barriers to access to services and support facilities will contribute to the deterioration of the situation further.
"Criminalization and restriction of mobility of migrant workers based on HIV status is NOT the answer to HIV in Korea" Said, Dr. Joe Thomas, the Chair person of APACHA.
APACHA strongly appeal to UN Secretary General to revisit his statement and we would appeal to UNAIDS to provide correct information to the people.
We strongly appeal to all the key rights holders on HIV response including the Government of South Korea to take necessary steps to lift the ban on PLHIV’s right to work and mobility, immediately.
"Korean Governments’ continuing criminalization will have a negative impact on the proposed International AIDS Conference (ICAAP) scheduled to be held in BUSAN, Korea" said Dr.Noor ul Zaman Rafiq Co-chairperson of APACHA.
"Dr, Anita Manandhar, the senior leader of APACHA said "We extent our solidarity with the people of South Korea who raised this very timely and pertinent issue".
APACHA once again reaffirm its support to the following demands from the activists and civil society of South Korea .
- UNAIDS should re-examine the entry restrictions and administrative instructions in Korea ensure that these revisions by the Ministry of Justice will support the principles of non-discrimination and Statement on HIV/AIDS-Related Travel Restrictions.
- The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon should correct his previous remark which is based on false information and call on the Korean government to eliminate the entry restrictions.
- Korean government should abolish mandatory HIV testing and eliminate restrictive measures against the freedom of movement for people living with HIV/AIDS. Any legislative measures and administrative instructions that prevent entry and cause deportation should be entirely eliminated.
- Korean government should publicize the administrative instructions for deportation of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs. Additionally, Korean should guarantee freedom of movement for people living with HIV/AIDS and ensure equal rights of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
On behalf of
Asian Peoples’ Alliance for Combating HIV and AIDS (APACHA)
Dr. Joe Thomas
Chair of Executive Committee |
Dr. Noor ul Zaman Rafiq
Co Chair |
Dr. Anita Manandhar
Treasurer |
Mohammad Kamal Hossain
International Coordinator |
APACHA Secretariat
Kathmandu, Nepal
E-mail:
secretariat.asia@apachanet.org
Kamal.hossain@apachanet.org
www.apachanet.org
