The objective of the training is to ensure participants understand the role of lawyers in upholding the rights of persons living with and affected by HIV with emphases on members of key and affected populations. Many of those at higher risk of HIV infection have one thing in common: their status is effectively criminalized by law. Police officers charged with enforcing anti-drug, anti-prostitution and anti-sodomy laws routinely extort bribes and confessions from defenseless people, sometimes committing heinous and violent acts against them, including rape and murder. Punitive approaches to drug use, sex work and men who have sex with men fuel stigma and hatred against socially marginalized groups, pushing them further into hiding and away from services to prevent, treat and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS.
The seminar aims at improving awareness of participating lawyers on HIV and the law so as to facilitate their involvement in the provisions of legal services for PLHIV whose rights have been violated. Provision of these services will be a huge step in the right direction in the fight against HIV because violation of human rights exacerbates the spread of HIV. Human rights approaches to HIV are not abstract, but real, practical, and cost-effective. Countries that have placed human rights at the center of their HIV responses have seen epidemics averted or slowed down.
At the end of this training the lawyers are expected to have a greater understanding on the needs and rights of infected and affected communities so as to enable them advise their clients on HIV and health related laws.
To contribute to the discussion during the forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms for the latest updates;
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KELINKenya using #HIVLaw
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kelinkenya
You tube: http://youtube.com/user/kelinkenya
