The policy
which is comprised in a booklet, has been developed in light of the
commitments expressed by the Heads of State and Government in the 2001
Abuja Declaration on HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related
Infectious Diseases (ORID), in which they declared AIDS “a State of
Emergency in the Continent”, and other commitments made at the United
Nations UNGASS, 2001, and through the Declaration on Employment and
Poverty Alleviation in Africa (Ouagadougou, 2004), High-level Meeting
2006, by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
The AUC workplace policy on HIV and AIDS has the following objectives:
• To
protect the human rights of personnel who are living with or affected by
HIV and AIDS, especially in terms of continuation of the employment
relationship, to protect pension insurance and other benefits, and to
eliminate denial, stigma and discrimination on the basis of real or
perceived HIV status.
• To
ensure that HIV and AIDS is dealt with as a workplace issue, and treated
like any other serious illness/condition in the workplace, in the
context of occupational safety and health.
• To
ensure consistency in managing HIV and AIDS within the AUC workplace
(e.g. departments, duty stations, places of assignment), including
defining rights and responsibilities of the Commission, its management
and its personnel.
• To reduce the risk of HIV infection for personnel and their dependants.
• To
mitigate the socio-economic and individual impact of HIV and AIDS on the
AUC, its personnel and their dependants, and the community.
• To
reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality through appropriate and
up-to-date treatment, including the provision of antiretroviral therapy
(ART), and care and support for personnel and their dependants.
• To provide the foundation for a comprehensive HIV and AIDS workplace programme including prevention, care and treatment.
The policy
documents is based on fundamental principles of human rights and
workers’ rights, as well as the key principles of the ILO Code of
practice on HIV and AIDS and the world of work, adopted in 2001. It
follows international and regional standards, medical and occupational
health principles, sound scientific information and a humane attitude
towards all employees and their dependants. The development of this
policy is in line with the African Union Commission HIV and AIDS
Strategic Plan 2005- 2007.
The policy
rests on the principle that HIV and AIDS should be treated like any
other serious condition or illness. It takes into account that people
living with HIV and AIDS can live full and active life provided they
have access to treatment and care when they need them. The AUC is
committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all
personnel, recognizing that HIV is not transmitted by casual contact.
The AUC will not practice or tolerate any form of discrimination against
employees or job applicants on any grounds, including those related to
HIV and AIDS.
Worth recalling that, the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is: “Getting to Zero”.
For more information, visit the AU website: www.africa-union.org
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
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