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Abstract
The nature and extent of AIDS discrimination in South Africa
M L Richter
AIDS Law Project, Johannesburg, South Africa
Background
South Africa’s explosive AIDS epidemic is coupled by extreme levels of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS discrimination is particularly prevalent in South Africa’s workplaces, health and insurance sectors.
Methods
The study chiefly draws on the experiences and cases of the AIDS Law Project over the period 1993-2000. The AIDS Law Project is a legal NGO that specializes in HIV/AIDS and the law, and has been on the forefront of HIV/AIDS public litigation and policy-change issues. The multifaceted nature of AIDS discrimination is explored by considering different forms and sources of AIDS discrimination, while South African laws and policies relating to HIV/AIDS are examined in particular. A number of South African AIDS workers were also interviewed and a survey of newspaper articles reporting on HIV/AIDS was conducted. This study also draws on literature relating to discrimination and prejudice in general.
Results
South Africa has an AIDS discrimination problem of tremendous magnitude. Although a number of key laws and policies have been enacted, AIDS discrimination continues to have an insidious impact on the private and public lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, and on South African society as a whole. This study illustrates how a sound legal framework is ineffective without public education on human rights, legal remedies and mechanisms.
Conclusions
AIDS discrimination takes on a variety of forms and can be resisted by the utilisation of human rights in particular. Recommended strategies to deal with AIDS discrimination include mainstreaming HIV/AIDS, projecting positive images of people living with HIV/AIDS and imposing penalties for AIDS discrimination. Above all, visible and accessible campaigns centering on human rights and the working of the law should be coordinated and sustained. This should be done so that all people can utilise and benefit from the protection offered by the law.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
ThPpE2154
Suggested Citation
" M L Richter ,
The nature and extent of AIDS discrimination in South Africa
.
Poster Presentation:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
ThPpE2154"
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