A Human Rights Advocacy desk has been established at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) to look into complaints by people living with HIV (PLWH).

The desk, which was set up in April, is a collaborative effort of the Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Coordinators (CCNAPC) and NAPS. It was undertaken through a Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV (CRN+) Global AIDS Programme grant.

Eleven other Caribbean countries have a similar desk and in each territory, the desk operates through a rights-based approach, which means it functions within the constitutional law of the land.

Human Rights advocate Chrystol Albert, who mans the desk, said she documents complaints made by PLWH, files complaints with the relevant bodies to seek redress and follows up to ensure that the process reaches a resolution.

The establishment of the advocacy desk is expected to enhance the quality of life of PLWH across the ten regions in Guyana by facilitating the efficient and effective access to quality treatment, care and support services.

Albert said she welcomed the collaborative effort between the agencies since it not only addressed issues surrounding PLWH, but also those who are affected. Albert noted that PLWH have a right to life, equal protection, equality before the law, non-discrimination, the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, work, liberty and security of the person like every other individual. She also said that discrimination against PLWH could fuel the spread of HIV within the communities and also prevent PLWH from accessing much needed treatment.

The NAPS is located at Hadfield Street and College Road and Albert can be reached there on telephone number 227-3736.