World Vision opposed to stigmatisation and discrimination

December 2013

According to the UNDP-led global commission on HIV and Law, there is close link between criminalised status, high levels of stigma (due to HIV and other status) and the inability to access and remain engaged in HIV services (UNAIDS 2012).

Therefore, World Vision opposes any law that fails to meet human rights standards and results in stigmatisation or discrimination of any group or class of people. We are concerned that any such law could result in violations of human rights and setback efforts to combat HIV and AIDS by stigmatizing some individuals in communities where World Vision works.  More people would be reluctant to seek, receive or even provide care and compassion out of fear of being reported. This would also make their families and children even more vulnerable.

World Vision hopes that no legislation would be passed that would deter people from being tested and treated for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Missed opportunities for access and treatment would likely exacerbate the prevalence of HIV. Fear of prosecution would force individuals to seek alternative and potentially harmful treatments, or worse, not seek, or have access to treatment at all.

World Vision asks all governments to keep their commitments to the 2011 United Nations political declaration on HIV and AIDS including elimination of stigma and discrimination by promoting laws and policies that ensure the full realisation of all human rights.

As a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to serving the poorest and most vulnerable, we believe in the fundamental rights of all human beings, and maintain the conviction that God’s love and grace are available to all people. Basic human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, should be protected and available to all people, regardless of sexual orientation. It is fundamental to our Christian principles to recognise that every person has been created by God and is endowed with worth and dignity that human judgment cannot – and should not – set aside. We will not allow prejudices to influence where or how we work; we provide assistance to all in need, especially to the most vulnerable.

We also assist communities, including faith communities, to embrace this approach. In our work with them and in communities at large, we emphasize the importance of people accepting others without condemnation.

World Vision recognises homosexuality is a sensitive issue that touches on emotions, identity and culture  and that there is a spectrum of views across the Christian church on this issue that must be respected.