Statement by PERC Youth Committee on the occasion of the World AIDS DAY

Dear colleagues and friends,
World AIDS Day is marked every year on 1st December. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness of the civil society about AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, to commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increase access to treatment and prevention services.

The UNAIDS Report on the global AIDS epidemic 2010[1] shows that women and young people and one of the most vulnerable groups and increasingly affected by HIV/AIDS. Even there is a progress in the last two decade there is still lack of knowledge and tools people need to practice HIV risk-reduction strategies.

Today, the Youth committee of Pan-European Regional Council joined the global HIV/AIDS campaign and through wearing the red ribbon, together with our trade union colleagues from across the globe, we want to appeal for universal access to life-saving treatment and respect for the human rights of people affected by HIV and AIDS.

PERC Youth Committee fully support the ITUC` call for full recognition of the human rights dimension of HIV and AIDS, and the key role of non-discrimination legislation both in reducing infection rates and ensuring fairness and equality for all those affected. Nevertheless, we want to call to all responsible institutions for national implementation of the new ILO Recommendation 200 on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work, which providing a framework for HIV and AIDS to be dealt with as a workplace issue, and by reinforcing the human rights consequences of the pandemic.

Future progress depends on the joint efforts of everyone involved in the HIV response!

Be more aware and active today!

1 December 2010

Daniela Aleksieva

President of the PERC Youth Committee