Hello All,
Please feel free to forward to other groups/individuals.
It's such a shame that a small country like Burundi takes this up whereas
the world's 'largerst democracy' oppresses its LGBT citizens.
Nitin
http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/PressCentre/PressReleases/2009/20090218_Burundi.asp
Senators in Burundi uphold rights of men who have sex with men
GENEVA 18 February 2009 — UNAIDS welcomes the Senate action in Burundi to
reject a draft law that sought to criminalize homosexuality. Senators in
Burundi overwhelmingly rejected an amendment of the penal code that
included provisions for imprisonment of people who have sexual
relationships with those of the same sex.
“By rejecting this amendment, Senators in Burundi have protected the human
rights of their people,” said Mr Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of
UNAIDS. “They have also set a standard for other lawmakers around the world
to follow their example in stopping laws that block the AIDS response.”
Criminalization of adult sexual behaviour and violation of human rights of
people living with HIV are hampering HIV responses across the world. Such
measures have a negative impact on delivery of HIV prevention programmes
and access to treatment by people living with HIV. Not only do they violate
human rights of individuals, but further stigmatize these populations.
Currently, 84 countries in the world have legislation that prohibits same
sex behaviour.
In the 2006 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, governments
committed to removing legal barriers and passing laws to protect vulnerable
populations. Countries that have non-discrimination laws against men who
have sex with men, injecting drug users and sex workers have provided
better access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.
Download printable version (pdf, 26 Kb):
http://data.unaids.org/pub/PressStatement/2009/20090218_burundi_en.pdf
UNAIDS Contact:
Sophie Barton-Knott
tel. +41 22 791 1697
bartonkno...@unaids.org
