There are more than 70 countries that still impose some form of HIV-specific restrictions on the entry and residence of positive people. Of these, some 10 countries bar HIV positive people from entering or staying in their country for any reason or length of time. There are close to 30 countries that deport people once their HIV infection is discovered. More than 70 countries do not have HIV specific travel restrictions. For the remaining 49 countries, the information is either contradictory or unavailable.

The letter highlights that such travel restrictions are most obvious during international conferences on HIV and AIDS, such as the UN High Level AIDS meeting, where people living with HIV face being denied entry or entering a lengthy and intrusive process to be granted a special visa waiver.

“After 25 years of HIV, we live in an environment where HIV positive human rights are affected in adverse ways. Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are a violation of human rights. Human rights are there tosafeguard human dignity and promote public health by ensuring that people are encouraged and supported. Respecting human rights also means that those living with HIV have access to a supportive environment that protect them from discrimination and at the same time links them to treatment, care and support, “ says Sophie Dilmitis, World YWCA HIV and AIDS Co-ordinator.

Related Links

Accountability to Women and Girls in the AIDS Response : World YWCA Statement to the UN High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS

World YWCA to lobby for women and girls at UN High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS 2008

World YWCA advocates for more accessible funding for women and HIV and AIDS