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Protecting and Promoting Rights of Children Affected by AIDS in India

Protecting and Promoting Rights of Children Affected by AIDS in India. Collaborative Public Hearings for Advocacy and Action Me Meghna Girish ActionAid India Theme HIV and AIDS .

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Protecting and Promoting Rights of Children Affected by AIDS in India

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  1. Protecting and Promoting Rights of Children Affected by AIDS in India Collaborative Public Hearings for Advocacy and Action Me Meghna Girish ActionAid India Theme HIV and AIDS

  2. Rationale for Action • Estimates suggest 1.2 million children in India are AIDS orphans(HRW) and 2 to 4 million children are affected by AIDS • No official data, comprehensive programs, nor protective mechanisms : children are most neglected in the AIDS response • Orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by AIDS face severe violation of child rights impacting their survival, development, protection and participation • Critical concerns: • stigma and discrimination in social settings • lack of nutrition and healthcare • denial and discrimination in education • denial and exploitation in inheritance rights • child headed households • child labour supporting families • violence and abuse

  3. Facilitating Public Hearings for Protection of Child Rights Process: • Compiled factsheets and case studies of CABA from 10 states in partnership with NGOs, CBOs and networks. • Approached National Commission for Protection of Child Rights(NCPCR). • CABA and caregivers presented testimonies before eminent Jury and Government officials in series of 5 Public Hearings. • NCPCR issued child-specific directives and broader recommendations to Government. • Documenting follow up action. • Continuing advocacy for government accountability.

  4. Findings and Response Immediate Outcomes: Response to Directives •Education support for children by states (Rs. 900 to 5000/year) • Public Food Distribution cards to families of CABA as a priority •Widow pensions/ pensions for elderly caregivers • Nutrition support (NGO linked) •Legal aid for children and women in inheritance cases •Hostel admission and schooling for children •Linkages for ART and OI • Allotment of land and grants for housing

  5. Lessons, Opportunities, Challenges Lessons learnt: • Collaborative public hearings an effective way to demand State accountability and to protect rights of CABA • Maintaining confidentiality and involving only sensitised media are important to prevent possible negative impact in an environment of continuing stigma • Wider implications include advocacy for : - comprehensive state policies, programs, protective legislation for CABA and PLHIV - integrated child protection mechanisms Next Steps: • Publishing a Gap Analysis Report on CABA in India • Implement projects for promoting rights of CABA Challenges: • Lack of specific legislation and poor child protection mechanisms • Non implementation of National Policy Framework on Children Affected by AIDS

  6. Thank You Acknowledgements • Children and caregivers who presented testimonies • NCPCR and Jury members • Actionaid India Partners - MILANA and WINS • Human Rights Foundation • Government officials acting on directives and recommendations • NGOs, CBOs, AA Fellows

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