UN forms team to look at impact of discriminatory AIDS laws

Source: afp

AFP - The United Nations Development Programme and UNAIDS said Thursday that they have formed a commission to examine the impact of laws around the world that discriminate against people living with HIV.

"Laws that inappropriately criminalise HIV transmission or exposure can discourage people from getting tested for HIV or revealing their HIV positive status," said the two agencies in a statement.

They can "punish rather than protect people in need," added the agencies.
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"In many places, what I experienced is very simple -- instead of universal access to help to deal with social injustice... people are facing ... universal legal obstacles," said the UNAIDS executive director

Read more: http://www.france24.com/en/20100624-un-forms-team-look-impact-discriminatory-aids-laws

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"Some 106 countries still report having laws and policies present significant obstacles to effective HIV responses."
Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator

http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/PressCentre/PressReleases/2010/20100624_PR_lawcom.asp

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