AIDS and the African Charter: SIDA et la charte africaine

In: Occasional Paper, No. 3

Abstract

The first section of this paper outlines the nature, extent and effect of AIDS in Africa. The human rights of many individuals infected with HIV are violated: they suffer stigmatisation, social rejection and discrimination. The second section of the paper introduces the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and reviews some of the Charter provisions which are of particular relevance in the context of AIDS, such as the articles dealing with discrimination and the rights to life, health, liberty, freedom of movement, work and education. Special attention is given to the unique Charter provisions which set out the duties of the individual. The text of the Charter is presented in the Appendix. (DÜI-Hff)