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AIDS
is not just an adult’s disease. It affects, first and
foremost, the children—whether they have HIV or not (loss of
their parents, loss of the family income, loss of their
access to education, etc). It prevents them from thriving
and directly impacts their basic rights, recognized by the
international community. Of particular concern to the CCISD
are:
·
The right to survival and development:
Worldwide, between 5 and 10 million children under the age
of 18—most of them young girls—are HIV positive, and more
than 14 million children (95% of them African children) have
already lost one or both of their parents.
UNAIDS has predicted that, in 2010, there will be 40 million
AIDS orphans.
These children’s access to education and to resources
essential to their full development is greatly diminished.
·
The right of access to adapted, comprehensive information on
reproductive health and on means of protecting against HIV
infection:
Girls and boys are unable to protect themselves against HIV
infection if they do not possess—prior to being sexually
active—sufficient knowledge of the disease and of means to
protect against it; of sexuality and of children’s rights
regarding consent and non-violent sex; and of the universal
right to free, respectful, and safe sex.
·
The right to be free from gender-based discrimination:
The imbalance of power between the sexes is at the very core
of women’s increased vulnerability to HIV—especially where
young women are concerned—and is a leading factor in the
spread of the infection.
Their economic dependence, a number of social expectations,
cultural and religious traditions, as well as a prevalent
form of gender-related poverty, have further increased
women’s vulnerability to HIV infection.
·
The right to services and health care, open and adapted to
children’s needs:
Thousands of boys and girls do not have access to
reproductive health services, even in areas where these
services are generally available.
They do not use the services because they do not feel
welcome; the staff is paternalistic and judgemental towards
them; the services are not adapted to their needs;
confidentiality is not upheld; or quite simply because the
costs are too high as children generally do not have any
income (and those who do, cannot dispose of it as they see
fit).
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The right to be protected from violence, abuse, and
exploitation:
Many children live in a social context that puts them at
greater risk of being sexually exploited and/or abused,
increasing their risk of being infected.
Child prostitution, child labour, street children, girls
working as housemaids, young immigrants, the trafficking of
children: all of these real-life contexts are increasing the
vulnerability of children to HIV infection.
·
The right to take part in the decision-making process of
HIV/AIDS programs that affect them:
When children participate and take an active role in AIDS
programs and activities it raises the awareness and
disseminates essential information to other children. It is
also an excellent mobilization tool.
Related
sites:
www.savethechildren.ca
www.unicef.org
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