Human Rights Abuse
What is human rights abuse?
All Global Fund grant agreements list five human rights standards that implementers must meet: Non-discriminatory access to services Using only scientifically sound or approved medicines or medical practices Not employing methods that constitute torture or that are cruel, inhuman or degrading Protecting patient consent, confidentiality and the right to privacy Avoiding medical detention or involuntary isolation
Examples
- Not allowing HIV+ patients the same treatment as others
- Sharing or selling private patient medical records
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender
Why should you care about human rights abuse?
- The promotion and protection of human rights is essential for expanding access to health services, especially for key populations and those who are most vulnerable.
- Discriminating against individuals because of their status prevents medicines and services from reaching the people who need them the most. Additionally, the fear of torture or the invasion of privacy may deter people from seeking help through Global Fund financed programs.
- The fear of torture or the invasion of privacy may deter people from seeking help through Global Fund supported programs.
How do you spot human rights abuse?
Human Rights Abuse can have the following red flags:
- People living with HIV/AIDS are refused treatment because of their sexual orientation.
- Experimental treatments are tested on people without regulatory approval.
- HIV or tuberculosis treatments are withheld from prisoners as a punishment.
- A tuberculosis patient is jailed without choices to carry out less intrusive care.
- Doctors tell a patient’s family that the patient is HIV positive
- Clinics refuse treatments to sex workers and people who inject drugs.
