HRC WARNS AGAINST MANDATORY HIV TESTING

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 10:49:30 +0000

By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa

THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has cautioned against mandatory HIV testing as it was a violation of human rights and advised Government to revisit the new policy direction.

“In acknowledging the positive efforts the government is making towards achieving zero new HIV infections and zero AIDS related deaths, the HRC wishes to caution against violating human rights during the course of implementing that vision.

“The HRC would like to particularly  call upon the government to revisit the recent policy pronouncement on mandatory HIV/AIDS testing because it is in conflict with the internationally agreed principles and practices on reducing the spread of HIV and mitigating the impact of AIDS,” HRC chairperson Mr Mwandenga said.

He encouraged Government to adhere to the United Nations guideline on HIV testing and counselling as articulated through the joint UN Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) which discourages mandatory HIV/AIDS testing on public health grounds and respect for human rights.

The HRC expressed regret that the government might be formulating a policy that was in breach of international norms on HIV Testing and Counselling and in multiple violation of human rights such as the right to non-discrimination, bodily integrity, and the right to be free from violation.