Lawyers commit to support access to justice for PLHIV and Affected communities

KELIN, with support from UNDP, conducted a sensitization workshop for lawyers on HIV, Law and Human Rights. The two day workshop held on 2 – 3 September 2016, brought together 20 lawyers working in Nairobi, Embu, Nyeri, Meru and Isiolo counties.

During the workshop, facilitators traced the history of HIV Law, and why HIV is a human rights issue. The legal and societal challenges experienced by persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and TB patients which include stigma, discrimination, violation of privacy, confidentiality, challenges in accessing services; health, education and insurance, were discussed.

At the session on strategic litigation, the lawyers discussed how this could be used to create, promote and protect health-related human rights. These lawyers now join a pool of pro bono lawyers who are willing to offer legal support to ensure access to justice for PLHIV and other persons who have experienced health-related human rights violations. The lawyers further committed to use their unique position in society to ensure that the right to health is realized.

One of the participants, Michael Obura expressing gratitude for the workshop stated

“I am glad to be part of this workshop. The experience has both been enlightening and empowering, and it is my resolve to push forward health-related human rights agenda.”

KELIN is thankful to our partners; ISHTAR, KESWA, TB Pamoja group and NEPHAK whose representatives attended and enriched the seminar through sharing of experiences and challenges in accessing justice for various health rights violations. KELIN is also grateful to the lawyers who attended the seminar and the Law Society of Kenya representative (Mt. Kenya region) for mobilization support.

To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hash tag #HIVLaw

Twitter: @KELINkenya

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya

For more information contact:
Timothy Wafula

Programme Associate, HIV & TB

Mombasa Road, Somak Building 4th floor

P.O Box 112-00200, KNH,

Tel +254 726 419 173

Email: twafula@kelinkenya.org