The International AIDS Conference 2012 in Washington DC was fun and very enthusiastic, energizing and a learning experience for me in different areas. However, particularly in SRHR, it was visual and evident that there is lots of human rights violation of all sorts from different areas and backgrounds of the world.
My observation from the audience was that, they had many questions that did not have right and satisfying answers. This is because, some of the participants wished that we could inform them too on how we do things in Uganda.
Key highlights
Culture has hindered many issues affecting young women in particular and women in general
Ignorance among others has contributed so much to the HIV new infections as a result of denial of our rights to education as girls, or and having no voice in our societies
Cross generation sex, where morals have gone beyond the norms and have become the order of the day, with no serious consequences seen. This is mainly due to increased poverty
Youth conference
Key highlights
Youth are being denied their rights and therefore need our voices to be heard
There is no meaningful involvement of young people in decision making on issues that affect us
Our sexual reproductive health is at stake. That’s why HIV has shifted to our age bracket because we lack information and mentorship from our leaders
Lack of youth friendly programs and services around the world and no access to the available services due to frequent questions that would be asked
Lack of funds for research and other issues affecting young people to document evidence of what we think as young people
Comprehensive sexuality education and sexual reproductive health issues and understanding of these issues
Recommendations
All young people have the right to sexual and reproductive health services that are accessible, available, safe, affordable, quality-approved, youth-friendly and adapted to their specific needs. Meaningful youth participation at all levels of decision-making is crucial in the development of effective SRHR and HIV programs; participation must include not only those with resources but also those on the ground levels.
We demand ACCESS to youth-friendly prevention, treatment, care and support services for all young people, including young people living with HIV, so that our right to the highest attainable standard of health may be achieved.
Comprehensive and appropriate information about HIV should be accessible to all young people including those with disabilities, in & out of schools, migrants & those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
We demand increased funding for research that focuses on HIV among young people addressing not only prevalence rates but also lifestyles and behavioral patterns, risk factors and other areas needed for HIV response.
Increase ACCESS to financial & technical support that strengthens youth organizations and youth led initiatives to increase our impact in the HIV response, by creating mechanisms that assure money transfers down to the ground.
We demand meaningful and effective participation of young people in policy making especially policies related to young people’s HIV/AIDS, Sexual, Reproductive Health and Rights to end stigma and discrimination.
We demand universal access to sexual and reproductive health integrated services that includes the specific needs of women and girls, respecting their human rights and an emphasis on equity and respect for diversity.
Young people are key actors in political decision making and must always be included in policy development at all levels to help solve the problem of the increasing rate of new HIV infections in our generation.
We want ACCESS to evidence-based HIV prevention programs that includes comprehensive sexuality education, access to female and male condoms, and others.
Thank you
Jackline Kemigisha
ICWEA
