PANCAP launches new programme

JUSTICE for all.

This is the name of the programme launched by the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), introduced to “beat back” the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS.

According to the organisation, the programme’s aim was to build on initiatives to create a supportive environment for eliminating stigma and discrimination, and for building consensus around the principles of human rights.

“The Caribbean has made strides in promoting the inclusion of people with HIV (PLHIV) and building the capacity of networks of PLHIV and most-at-risk groups; developing model anti-discrimination legislation and policy; advocating for legislative reforms aimed at modifying and abolishing outdated punitive laws and violence against women.

“Several consultations have taken place at the national and regional levels and a number of key international human rights treaties signed.

“Notwithstanding, HIV stigma and discrimination remains an intractable issue,” read a statement from PANCAP.

Pointing to the book “HIV and Human Rights”, edited by Sir George Alleyne and Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, which had resulted from a 2001 symposium between UNAIDS, PANCAP and CARICOM, it outlined that the Justice for All Programme will build on such initiatives and outline a concrete set of national actions, cognisant that one of the goals of the UN High Level Meeting Political Declaration (2011), as well as the PANCAP Declaration (2010), is to eliminate HIV-related stigma.

Roadmap

The programme is spearheaded by UN Secretary-General Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean, Prof. Edward Greene, in collaboration with the PANCAP Co-ordinating Unit and other key stakeholders.

“A roadmap for Advocacy for the PANCAP Human Rights agenda will be established to guide the process. An analysis of what has been done, the results and gaps, and a series of national consultations, will inform the roadmap which is to be endorsed by Caribbean Leaders.

“PANCAP is a regional partnership established by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2001 to respond to the HIV and AIDS epidemic,” it added.̇