Asian People's Alliance for Combating HIV&AIDS (APACHA) Statement on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009



Universal Access and Human Rights is the theme for the World Aids Day this year.

APACHA recognizes that HIV and AIDS is the issue of Human Rights rather than the issue health problems only. Entire Asia is facing the challenge of HIV and AIDS and the cause for this challenge is rooted on the violation of rights of the people; especially women, minorities and vulnerable communities in particular.

Discrimination against PLHIV is rampant. Vulnerable people do not have access to right to information or preventive measures. Marginalized communities and the poor people are being forced into activities that make them more vulnerable. People are forced to migrate due to lack of opportunities in homeland, women mainly from marginalized communities are being trafficked or compelled into sex works, but we still do not look at HIV and AIDS from the perspective of Human Rights. Laws of the so called developed countries still discriminate against PLHIV. Discrimination against PLHIV is sustained in different laws and practices.

Commitments are made and forgotten. Commitments are again made to fulfill the earlier commitments. Commitments made in 2006 to pursue all necessary efforts towards achieving the goal of universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention programs, treatment, care and support by 2010. But the governments across Asia are far lacking in fulfilling their commitments.

2010 is the milestone year for MDG. If we focus on Goal 6, especially target 6 B, it is evident that we are nowhere near achieving the target. Universal Access to Treatment, it seems, is not achievable by most of the Asian countries. The status of care and support associated to treatment has not been focus of the governments of Asian Countries.

Funds flow aplenty for HIV programs in Asia, although studies show they are not enough, only a very little reaches where it should go. Governments and non government agencies are not being transparent enough for the right holders to know where the fund in going.

The weak public health system in the entire region is denying basic health rights to the poorest of the communities. However, the donors lack to focus on strengthening to promote, protect and fulfill human rights in the context of the HIV epidemic.

The Asian civil society has a long history of struggles for rights, justice and democracy. There are also powerful political and social movements and campaigns going on in the region. The focus of all the movements is Human rights. However, political interests being the driving force, issues which do not carry considerable political weight fail to arouse much interest to Asian civil society and the politics. Issues that foster marginal population having little political significance barely receive their attention. Both the civil society and the ongoing social movements in the region are still reluctant to talk about HIV and AIDS.

APACHA calls upon the governments and key stakeholders of Asian region and worldwide to look at HIV and AIDS through the perspective of Human Rights. It also calls upon all to honor the rights of people infected and affected by HIV, to create environment for vulnerable groups where they can protect themselves, to ensure basic health facility to all the people and to guarantee Universal Access not only to Treatment but also to Care and Support. Let’s unite and think seriously. MDG goals are hard to achieve but not impossible.

Issued from the International Secretariat of Asian People's Alliance for Combating HIV&AIDS (APACHA)

APACHA is the largest Asian multi-sectoral civil society formation that brings together people affected and infected by HIV&AIDS, social movements, trade unions, women's rights movements, youth movements, faith based organizations, policy makers, and other progressive peoples' associations who share a commitment to combat the causes and consequences of HIV&AIDS.

APACHA has country chapters in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,

For information:
Anita Manandhar and Hiranya Joshi
APACHA International Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal
secretariat.asia@apachanet.org
www.apachanet.org